GLAAD - Presbyterianhttp://www.glaad.org/tags/presbyterian
enGLAAD @ Work: #glaadawards, Christianity and LGBT relationships, bisexual representation, and morehttp://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-work-glaadawards-christianity-and-lgbt-relationships-bisexual-representation-and-more
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img height="200" width="750" class="media-element file-file-styles-750px" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-12/GLAAD%20%40%20Work%20BLUE.png?itok=xVztY9C-" alt="" /></p>
<p>GLAAD's Weekly Update on News, Entertainment and Online Media. To subscribe, click <a href="http://www.glaad.org/signup">here</a>.</p>
<h2><strong>Ross Murray pens piece on Christianity and LGBT acceptance</strong></h2>
<p><img height="442" width="750" class="media-element file-file-styles-750px" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2015-03/More%20Light%20Presbyterians%20General%20Assembly.jpg?itok=-hLkAgLy" alt="" /><br />After the Presbyterian Church (USA) ratified the decision to affirm marriage equality last week, GLAAD's Director of Programs <a href="http://www.glaad.org/about/staff/rossmurray">Ross Murray</a> <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/22/for-christians-and-gay-marriage-it-s-culture-not-doctrine.html">wrote</a> for The Daily Beast about what that decision means for the continued relationship between Christianity and LGBT people. His commentary focused on who is next, and what these internal church decisions mean for greater society. "No matter how the Supreme Court rules, the trend of Christianity increasingly affirming LGBT people, their lives, and their relationships will continue," Murray writes. "That will continue to happen because LGBT people and their allies of all faiths will continue to share their lives and accelerate acceptance among their friends and family, leading America to a place of LGBT acceptance." <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/22/for-christians-and-gay-marriage-it-s-culture-not-doctrine.html">Read more here.</a></p>
<p><strong><img height="220" width="220" style="float: left; width: 220px; height: 220px;" class="media-element file-file-styles-medium" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/images/2015-03/ATuLado%20Kerry%20Cropped.jpg?itok=pa935r4y" alt="" />#ATuLado gets attention on Spanish-language radio</strong><br />GLAAD's Director of Spanish-Language Media <a href="http://www.glaad.org/about/staff/monicatrasandes">Monica Trasandes</a> was interviewed on "El Show de Erazno y La Chokolata," a popular, nationally syndicated radio show that reaches nearly 3.6 million Latino adults. Trasandes discussed the importance of allies to the LGBT community and shared the news that Zoe Saldana, Kerry Washington, Yara Martinez, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Ana Barbara and others have participated in GLAAD's <a href="http://www.glaad.org/atulado">#ATuLado</a> campaign, the Spanish-language program to engage allies.</p>
<p><strong><img height="220" width="220" style="float: right; width: 220px; height: 220px;" class="media-element file-file-styles-medium" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/images/2015-03/Jamal%20Cropped.jpg?itok=qZ4WocvN" alt="" />GLAAD highlights Empire's inclusive storytelling</strong><br />FOX's hit musical drama<em> "</em>Empire" wrapped its first season last week and GLAAD Entertainment Media Strategist <a href="http://www.glaad.org/about/staff/megantownsend">Megan Townsend</a> spoke with <a href="http://opuschicago.com/2015/03/17/empire-season-finale-this-week/">Opus Chicago</a> ahead of the finale about the impact of middle son Jamal Lyon's story. "Empire is telling a story we haven’t seen before with Jamal, an out gay man in the world of hip hop. The authenticity behind Jamal’s story is connecting with millions of viewers each week, sparking positive conversations, and fostering understanding and acceptance," Townsend said. "Empire's" season finale drew 21.1 million viewers, making it the highest rated freshman finale since "Grey's Anatomy" in 2005. <a href="http://opuschicago.com/2015/03/17/empire-season-finale-this-week/">Read more here.</a></p>
<p><strong><img height="220" width="220" style="float: left;" class="media-element file-file-styles-medium" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/images/2015-03/Alexandra%20Headshot%20Cropped.jpg?itok=BYWKg_uJ" alt="" />GLAAD emphasizes bisexual women in MTV's Women in History Month piece</strong><br />GLAAD's Communications Manager <a href="http://www.glaad.org/about/staff/alexandrabolles">Alexandra Bolles </a>spoke with MTV News about the diversities and prevalent issues among bisexual women and shared her own personal experiences. Her interview was included in a post on MTV's site for Women's History Month, dedicated to dispelling myths about women who are bisexual and educate readers on bisexuality. "Every person who is able to be open and honest about their identity is already starting to make a difference," Bolles said. <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/2111813/8-things-you-wont-learn-about-bisexual-women-from-porn/">Read more here</a>.</p>
<p><strong><img height="220" width="220" style="float: right;" class="media-element file-file-styles-medium" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/images/2015-03/Kerry_carpet%20Cropped.jpg?itok=iRGr1DDE" alt="" />Kerry Washington and Roland Emmerich among #glaadawards recipients</strong><br />Accelerating acceptance was the ubiquitous message Saturday night at the 26<sup>th</sup> Annual GLAAD Media Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. Ellen DeGeneres presented Kerry Washington with GLAAD's Vanguard Award before Washington delivered an impassioned <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/kerry-washington-roland-emmerich-transparent-how-get-away-murder-imitation-game-among-glaad#">speech</a>, which subsequently went viral, emphasizing that LGBT representation humanizes the community. Channing Tatum presented openly gay film director Roland Emmerich with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award. Among the <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/kerry-washington-roland-emmerich-transparent-how-get-away-murder-imitation-game-among-glaad">winners</a> at the event hosted by comedian Tig Notaro, Outstanding Film-Wide Release went to "The Imitation Game;" ABC's "How to Get Away with Murder" took Outstanding Drama Series; and Amazon's "Transparent" took Outstanding Comedy Series. FOX's "Glee" also received a Special Recognition Award and the show's Alex Newell inspired a standing ovation with his live performance of "I Know Where I've Been." The 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards are presented by Delta Air Lines, Hilton, Ketel One Vodka, and Wells Fargo; Official Presenting Partners are Amazon and Bud Light. Award recipients in the remaining categories will be announced in New York City on May 9 at the Waldorf Astoria. Tickets are <a href="http://www.glaad.org/mediaawards/newyork">available</a> now. <a href="http://www.glaad.org/mediaawards/26/recap">Read more here.</a></p>
<p><strong><img height="220" width="220" style="float: left; width: 220px; height: 220px;" class="media-element file-file-styles-medium" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/images/2015-03/Univision%20Cropped_0.png?itok=nnqq9mpo" alt="" />Univision hears Latino transgender voice</strong><br />GLAAD's Spanish-Language Media Director Monica Trasandes and Strategist <a href="http://www.glaad.org/about/staff/janetquezada">Janet Quezada</a> worked with local California Univision producers and Jorge Gutierrez from the LGBT Latino organization <a href="http://familiatqlm.org/">Familia Trans Queer Liberation Movement </a> to find and book a spokesperson to interview for Univision's nightly newscast prior to a rally held on March 20, 2015 instigated by the local transgender community to speak out against institutional violence.</p>
<p><strong><img height="220" width="220" style="float: right;" class="media-element file-file-styles-medium" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/images/2015-03/Kerry%20and%20Claire1%20Cropped.jpg?itok=4eLRqnA6" alt="" />GLAAD talks to celebrities on carpet at #glaadawards</strong><br />This week on GLAAD's video series, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/allaccess">GLAAD: All Access</a>, host <a href="http://www.glaad.org/about/staff/clairepires">Claire Pires</a> talked to stars on the red carpet at the 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Beverly Hills. Attendees including Kerry Washington, Roland Emmerich, Viola Davis, Samira Wiley, and more talked openly about why they support GLAAD's work to hold the media accountable for portraying the LGBT community fairly and accurately. "I want people to live their authentic life. I am a proponent of that. That's why I'm here," said Viola Davis. <a href="http://www.glaad.org/video/video-celebrities-talk-glaad-red-carpet-glaadawards">Watch more here.</a></p>
<p><strong><img height="220" width="220" style="float: left; width: 220px; height: 220px;" class="media-element file-file-styles-medium" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/images/2015-03/Yes%20equality%20ireland%20Cropped.jpg?itok=S7_wPola" alt="" />GLAAD supports marriage equality in Ireland ahead of referendum</strong><br />For St. Patrick's Day, GLAAD shared how LGBT allies can help bring marriage equality to Ireland. On May 22, Ireland will be the first country to hold a nationwide referendum on marriage equality, and Irish advocates are urging all Irish citizens to head to the polls and vote. GLAAD has shared some <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/videos-votewithus-support-irish-marriage-equality">touching videos created by the #VoteWithUs campaign</a>, as well as highlighting the work of Equality Yes in Ireland. We'll continue to share Irish marriage equality news and urging allies all over the world to support a yes vote. <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/st-patricks-day-lets-help-bring-marriage-equality-ireland">Read more here.</a></p>
<p><strong><img height="220" width="220" style="float: right; width: 220px; height: 220px;" class="media-element file-file-styles-medium" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/images/2015-03/Un%20Nuevo%20Dia%20Cropped.jpg?itok=AtTr0YIg" alt="" />Spanish-language media outlets celebrate #glaadawards wins</strong><br />GLAAD's Spanish-Language Media Director Monica Trasandes and Strategist Janet Quezada informed Spanish-language media outlets that they won GLAAD Media Awards for fair and accurate reporting and shared this news with national and international media in both English and Spanish, including the producers of El Gordo y La Flaca. The popular morning show <em>Un Nuevo Dia</em> <a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/TVEyesMediaCenter/UserContent/291064/4672271.7810/WNJU_03-23-2015_07.15.22.mp4">celebrated their award for Best Television Interview with their millions of viewers</a>.</p>
<p><img height="220" width="220" style="float: left; width: 220px; height: 220px;" class="media-element file-file-styles-medium" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/images/2015-03/52%20Tuesdays%20Dani%20Cropped.jpg?itok=ucHcnDSk" alt="" /><strong>Dani Heffernan interviews 52 Tuesdays director at New York screening</strong><br />GLAAD's Senior Strategist <a href="http://www.glaad.org/about/staff/daniheffernan">Dani Heffernan</a> interviewed Sophie Hyde, the director of the Sundance favorite <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/interview-52-tuesdays-director-sophie-hyde-talks-sundance-hit">"52 Tuesdays</a>," via Skype at a screening of the film in New York City. "52 Tuesdays" follows 16-year-old Billie as her mother announces plans for transition and their relationship becomes limited to Tuesday afternoons spent together. GLAAD's Video &amp; News Strategist Claire Pires also interviewed Hyde by phone. <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/interview-52-tuesdays-director-sophie-hyde-talks-sundance-hit">Read more here.</a></p>
<p>To get the latest updates and take part in GLAAD’s work to build support for LGBT equality, be sure to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/glaad" target="_blank">‘like’ us on Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/glaad" target="_blank">follow us on Twitter</a>!</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">March 27, 2015</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/entertainment">Entertainment</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/bisexuality">Bisexuality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/family">Family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/people-color">People of Color</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/southern-stories">Southern Stories</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/spanish-language-and-latino">Spanish-Language and Latino</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/sports">Sports</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/transgender">Transgender</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/glaad-work-0">GLAAD @ Work</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/glaad-work">GLAAD at work</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/26th-annual-glaad-media-awards">26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/kerry-washington">Kerry Washington</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/roland-emmerich">Roland Emmerich</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/ross-murray">Ross Murray</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/christianity">christianity</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/daily-beast-0">The Daily Beast</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/atulado">#Atulado</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/monica-trasandes">Monica Trasandes</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/empire">Empire</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/megan-townsend">Megan Townsend</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/opus-chicago">Opus Chicago</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/bisexual-women">bisexual women</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/alexandra-bolles">Alexandra Bolles</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/mtvcom">MTV.com</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/glaad-all-access-0">GLAAD: All Access</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/claire-pires">Claire Pires</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/celebrities">celebrities</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/univision">Univision</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/janet-quezada">Janet Quezada</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/ireland">Ireland</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/marriage-referendum">marriage referendum</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/marriage-equality">Marriage Equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/glaadawards">#glaadawards</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/un-nuevo-d%C3%ADa">Un Nuevo Día</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/52-tuesdays">52 Tuesdays</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/dani-heffernan">Dani Heffernan</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/sophie-hyde">Sophie Hyde</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lgbt-0">#lgbt</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/gay-0">#gay</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lesbian-1">#lesbian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/bisexual">bisexual</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/transgender-1">#transgender</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/glaad-0">#GLAAD</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 25 Mar 2015 15:48:42 +0000cpires78857 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-work-glaadawards-christianity-and-lgbt-relationships-bisexual-representation-and-more#commentsMeet Alex McNeill, the trans advocate bringing equality to the Presbyterian Churchhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/meet-alex-mcneill-trans-advocate-bringing-equality-presbyterian-church
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img alt="" class="media-element file-file-styles-750px" data-file_info="%7B%22fid%22:%2272844%22,%22view_mode%22:%22file_styles_750px%22,%22fields%22:%7B%22format%22:%22file_styles_750px%22,%22field_file_image_alt_text%5Bund%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%22:%22%22,%22field_file_image_title_text%5Bund%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%22:%22%22%7D,%22type%22:%22media%22%7D" height="200" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-07/alex%20mcneill%20mlp.jpg?itok=jUBhkueI" style="height: 500px; width: 750px;" width="300" /></p>
<p>The Presbyterian Church of the USA (known as PC (USA)) took an historic leap towards marriage equality in June when <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/breaking-presbyterian-church-usa-approves-marriage-equality">the General Assembly voted to allow marriage equality</a> within the denomination. The language in the church's Book of Order changed, describing marriage as now being available to "two persons," rather than "a man and a woman." Furthermore, the vote means that PC (USA) clergy will not be reprimanded by the church for officiating ceremonies in states that allow marriage equality.</p>
<p>At the last General Assembly two years ago, PC (USA) considered a similar initiative, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/220th-general-assembly-presbyterian-church-usa-votes-down-marriage-equality">which failed by just 30 votes</a>. So, what changed between 2012 and now?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/guest-post-why-i-tell-my-story-putting-it-all-line">Alex McNeill</a> stepped in, for one thing.</p>
<p><img alt="" class="media-element file-file-styles-medium" data-file_info="%7B%22fid%22:%2260185%22,%22view_mode%22:%22file_styles_medium%22,%22fields%22:%7B%22format%22:%22file_styles_medium%22,%22field_file_image_alt_text%5Bund%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%22:%22%22,%22field_file_image_title_text%5Bund%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%22:%22%22%7D,%22type%22:%22media%22%7D" height="132" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/more%20light%20presbyterian.png?itok=KY0lby7k" style="float: left;" width="220" />"There hadn't really be any other trans people leading a mainline organization like this," Alex told me—and he told <a href="http://www.mlp.org/">More Light Presbyterian</a> (MLP), too, when he was selected to become the faith-based, LGBT-affirming group's Executive Director in July, 2013. Alex is the nation's first openly trans leader of a mainline denominational organization, as well as the first openly trans ministry candidate from the church's Western North Carolina region. He is also the subject of the documentary, <a href="http://www.outoforderdoc.com/">Out of Order</a>, which follows LGBT Presbyterians working to become ministers. A graduate of Harvard Divinity School, Alex's background on the intersections of religion, gender, sexuality, and reproductive rights have led him to work with the Reconciling Ministries Network, Equality Maryland, the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, and the National Gay and Lesbian Taskforce, and Believe Out Loud. Now, as ED of MLP, his time is mainly spent leading a national network of Presbyterians working for the full inclusion of the LGBT community within the church.</p>
<p>He said he wanted to help MLP prepare for what could happen as they entered uncharted territory, but, one year into his role, Alex says, "it's been really positive. Being public about it has been an opportunity to have conversations about what it means to be transgender. I'm finding folks who are hungry to learn more and want that education."</p>
<p>Educating members of the Presbyterian community as a whole has been a key component of Alex's work. "There's been some concern, 'is this the right time [to approve marriage <img alt="" class="media-element file-file-styles-medium" data-file_info="%7B%22fid%22:%2249553%22,%22view_mode%22:%22file_styles_medium%22,%22fields%22:%7B%22format%22:%22file_styles_medium%22,%22field_file_image_alt_text%5Bund%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%22:%22%22,%22field_file_image_title_text%5Bund%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%22:%22%22%7D,%22type%22:%22media%22%7D" height="100" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/PresbyterianChurchUSA.jpg?itok=kD-rngXt" style="float: right;" width="220" />equality]?'… There's always concern about when and why." But Alex, seeing how close the initiative came to passing two years ago, dedicated himself to building unity around not only the language of the ballot, but around its mission "to ensure [Presbyterians] that we're not just in this to lobby for cultural change, but that it's really what God has called us to do as a denomination. It's not about win or lose."</p>
<p>Of course, many LGBT folks seek to educate people—friends, family, community members, legislators—with varying results, and accomplishments in these respects are rarely immediate. Alex's dedication to bring LGBT equality into PC (USA) has been qualified by patience, persistence, and love. "This is not an easy conversation to have…We need to be able to discern together, knowing that everybody cares really deeply about the conversation."</p>
<p>The Presbyterian Church has seen many instances of grassroots support from clergy and lay leaders for the LGBT community in recent years. From <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/presbyterian-clergy-call-end-ban-gay-scouts">equality in scouting</a>, to <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/faith-leaders-offer-praise-prop-8-ruling">affirming the overturn of Prop 8</a>, and beyond, advocacy has existed in congregations throughout the US. Along with voting to welcome openly LGBT clergy in 2011, approving marriage equality has been one the significant legislative moves towards churchwide inclusion.</p>
<p>"We could be having conversations across the country [about marriage equality] for the next year," he added. "The vision there is that we approach this conversation with as much love for each other as we can."</p>
<p>Such humility and openness infused Alex's conversation with me. Despite his humble attitude, Ann Craig, who has worked extensively with MLP, described Alex to me as "a budding star in the LGBT faith world," whose "leadership has been indispensable."</p>
<p>Indeed, Alex has a vision for the denomination, in which nearly half of all clergy members serve in parts of the country where marriage equality is acknowledged by the government, that extends far beyond the 2013 General Assembly, the subject of marriage, and the church itself.</p>
<p>"Presbyterians represent that middle voter," explained Alex. We're all stripes of political affiliations and backgrounds. To root that conversation in the church will absolutely have an effect on the civic piece as well as mainline traditions…If we're in a situation where we're having a more nationwide conversation in the denomination, I think that the conversations that we have in that experience will directly affect marriage equality at a state level, from Alaska to Alabama, Maine and Maryland."</p>
<p><img alt="" class="media-element file-file-styles-400px" data-file_info="%7B%22fid%22:%2272845%22,%22view_mode%22:%22file_styles_400px%22,%22fields%22:%7B%22format%22:%22file_styles_400px%22,%22field_file_image_alt_text%5Bund%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%22:%22%22,%22field_file_image_title_text%5Bund%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%22:%22%22%7D,%22type%22:%22media%22%7D" height="235" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/400px/public/images/2014-07/alex%20mcneill.jpg?itok=-8Kttsxy" style="float: left;" width="400" />In what Alex described as "the Massachusetts effect," though, his ongoing strategy includes showing the church community, "We got marriage and we didn't fall apart." This will enable stronger denomination-wide focus on international LGBT issues, on fighting against poverty and homelessness, and will also, he said, "alleviate fears and build hope… Marriage equality is important, and will really further the dignity of LGBT lives, but there's so much more to do be done to help our churches be real places of welcome and inclusion."</p>
<p>This idea of <em>welcoming</em> certainly pervades, and seemingly defines, Alex's ministry with MLP. He explained, "My ultimate vision for the denomination is that we continue to explore, examine, and discern how our congregations do welcome. What I want us to explore is what welcome feels like, because that goes to strengthen our churches in general – when you walk in and immediately feel welcome in that space…The key take away from this experience is that most people really want to do what's best for the denomination. It's only going to happen when we work together. "</p>
<p>In conjunction with Alex's ambitious and defined vision, his reliability, and his commitment to communal growth, what makes him successful as a trailblazer in faith and LGBT communities is his courage to share, to be vulnerable, and to build better, more <em>welcoming</em> realities for others:</p>
<p>"One of the things I've found people respond to in my story and in my narrative is that doing the hard thing, even if you're nervous or scared, that living with authenticity and integrity is worth it in the long run. It's the way we can honor God, who created us. I think that there's something about my story that people find courage from, in taking creative stands or naming who I am. I would hope someone can feel from hearing my story is the courage to do something brave in their lives too."</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/63082964" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">July 7, 2014</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/transgender">Transgender</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/alex-mcneill">Alex McNeill</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/more-light-presbyterians">More Light Presbyterians</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/presbyterian-church">Presbyterian Church</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/presbyterian-church-usa-0">Presbyterian Church USA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/pc-usa">PC USA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/pcusa">PCUSA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/marriage-equality">Marriage Equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/mlp">MLP</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Mon, 07 Jul 2014 14:49:58 +0000alexandrabolles71600 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/meet-alex-mcneill-trans-advocate-bringing-equality-presbyterian-church#commentsBREAKING: Presbyterian Church USA approves marriage equalityhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/breaking-presbyterian-church-usa-approves-marriage-equality
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-0-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img width="1024" height="683" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-06/Sanctuary_of_National_Presbyterian_Church.jpg?itok=Afke0sG8" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>With a significant majority vote at its General Assembly today, the Presbyterian Church (known as PC(USA)) made marriage equality available to loving, committed couples of the same-sex by changing the language in the church's Book of Order from "a man and a woman" to "two persons."</p>
<p>If a majority vote of more than 172 Presbyteries passes in coming months, marriage equality will be made church law nationwide, though couples will need permission from their individual houses of worship. Additionally, commissioners approved an Authoritative Interpretation to go into immediate effect. The Authoritative Interpretation permits ministers in states with government-sanctioned marriage equality to marry same-sex couples while the constitutional amendment works its way through the presbyteries.</p>
<p>Nearly half of all PC(USA) clergy members serve in one of the 19 states or in Washington DC in which marriage equality is acknowledged by the government.</p>
<p>These historic rulings mean that clergy members are no longer required to deny LGBT couples who hope to be married in a religious ceremony.</p>
<p>“The Church affirmed all its faithful members today. This vote is an answer to many prayers for the Church to recognize love between committed same-sex couples,” said <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/guest-post-why-i-tell-my-story-putting-it-all-line">Alex McNeill</a>, Executive Director of <a href="http://www.mlp.org/">More Light Presbyterians</a>, a national network of Presbyterians working for the full inclusion of the LGBT community within the church. “We will keep praying that the majority of our 172 presbyteries will confirm that all loving couples can turn to their churches when they are ready to be married.”</p>
<p>“The theme of this General Assembly is “Abound in Hope.” For more than thirty years, LGBTQ people have lived in the hope that the church that baptized us would also bless our marriages,” said the Rev. Robin White, Co-Moderator of More Light Presbyterians. “Today, the Presbyterian Church (USA) took a bold step to fully include same-sex couples in the life of the church.”</p>
<p>Co-Moderator, and Ruling Elder Nathan Sobers said, “As a gay man in a committed relationship for 27 years, I celebrate with Presbyterians and fair-minded people everywhere. Today the Presbyterian Church (USA) has taken the next step toward affirming same-sex couples who want to covenant together in marriage.” </p>
<p>The General Assembly of PC (USA) is taking place this week from June 14 – 21 in Detroit, Michigan. At the last General Assembly two years ago, marriage equality was not upheld, though a policy had been amended around that time to allow gay and lesbian Presbyterians to be ordained as clergy.</p>
<p> </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">June 19, 2014</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/family">Family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/marriage-equality">Marriage Equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/presbyterian-church">Presbyterian Church</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/pcusa">PCUSA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/presbyterian-church-usa-0">Presbyterian Church USA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/more-light-presbyterian">More Light Presbyterian</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Thu, 19 Jun 2014 19:42:10 +0000alexandrabolles71384 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/breaking-presbyterian-church-usa-approves-marriage-equality#commentsPresbyterian church to vote on marriage equality in upcoming meetinghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/presbyterian-church-vote-marriage-equality-upcoming-meeting
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-1-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img width="1600" height="943" id="1" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-06/More%20Light%20Presbyterians%20General%20Assembly.jpg?itok=nFDjQieB" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>At the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) meeting this June 14-21 in Detroit, commissioners will vote on a constitutional amendment that could allow for marriage equality within the denomination. In addition, the assembly will consider a resolution that would prevent Presbyterian ministers who officiate same-sex marriages from facing discipline.</p>
<p>More Light Presbyterians, a national network of Presbyterians working for the full inclusion of the LGBT community within the church, is hopeful that these reforms will be enacted. Co-moderator of More Light Presbyterians, Rev. Heidi Peterson, said on the subject,</p>
<blockquote><p>In 2012, the PC (USA) commissioners voted to allow LGBTQ clergy who are coupled to serve in good standing… Since that time, almost half of all Americans reside in states where marriage is legal for all couples. We need an Authoritative Interpretation which will free ministers from fear of being censured if they officiate at marriages of same gender couples.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Ruling Elder Nathan Sobers, also Co-Moderator of More Light Presbyterians, added,</p>
<blockquote><p>After 27 years of loving my husband in a supportive faith community, I realize more than ever how important it is to have an amendment to the PC (USA) constitution which will allow couples to be married in their home churches.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.mlp.org/" target="_blank">Learn more about More Light Presbyterians here.</a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">June 11, 2014</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/more-light-presbyterians">More Light Presbyterians</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/marriage-equality">Marriage Equality</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 11 Jun 2014 19:25:03 +0000jpulitano71293 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/presbyterian-church-vote-marriage-equality-upcoming-meeting#commentsPeople of faith support equality in Scoutinghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/people-faith-support-equality-scouting
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Next Thursday, 1400 members of the Boy Scouts' National Council will converge in Dallas to vote on a resolution critical to the Boy Scouts' longstanding ban on gay members. Many people are speaking out, and GLAAD is making sure that the voices of fair-minded people are heard, including people of faith.</p>
<p>70% of Scout troops are sponsored by churches, synagogues, and faith-based organizations. That is an accurate figure that has been widely touted by <a href="http://www.glaad.org/cap/tony-perkins">Tony Perkins</a> and <a href="http://www.glaad.org/cap/john-stemberger">John Stemberger</a>. However, Perkins and Stemberger want you to believe that people of faith oppose inclusive scouting. The fact is that they are wrong; people of faith support equality in Scouting.</p>
<p>To give a representation of where major denominations stand on inclusive Scouting, GLAAD has created a handy graphic that shows which denominations support inclusive scouting for all.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152412411248840&amp;set=pb.186319338839.-2207520000.1368980287.&amp;type=3&amp;theater"><img class="media-image" id="2" style="height: 425px; width: 425px;" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/peopleoffaith_v2_0.jpg?itok=cREOVl94" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>If you want some more detail, we'll break it down for you.</p>
<p>The Mormon Church sponsors the most Boy Scout troops in the country. They have <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/mormon-church-endorses-scouts-plans-include-gay-youth-not-adults">released a statement</a> that supports lifting the ban on gay scouts.</p>
<p>The Roman Catholic Church is the second largest sponsor of troops in the country. The <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/roman-catholic-hierarchy-non-committal-gay-scouts-ban-takes-wait-and-see-approach">National Catholic Committee on Scouting</a> has issued a statement that doesn't urge Catholics to vote in any particular way. However, they stated that they will respond after the vote is taken. GLAAD has been working with LGBT and allied Catholics to speak out about inclusive Scouting.</p>
<p>The United Methodist Church is the third largest sponsor of troops. While the denomination has not issued a statement on the proposed policy, several United Methodist groups and individuals have spoken out. The <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/united-methodist-church-leaders-call-boy-scouts-drop-ban-gay-scouts">United Methodist Board of Church and Society</a> has called for the discriminatory policy to be dropped, as have countless congregations, clergy, and United Methodist members.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/family-research-council-tries-co-opt-scout-sunday-people-faith-call-inclusion">United Church of Christ has been working with GLAAD for months</a>, activating congregations to speak out for policy change in the Boy Scouts. In February, several United Church of Christ congregations posted signs on the church that read "<a href="http://www.kshb.com/dpp/news/local_news/country-club-congregational-united-church-of-christ-of-kansas-city-welcomes-gay-boy-scouts">We Welcome ALL Boy Scouts</a>." Executives of the United Church of Christ will be with GLAAD on the ground in Dallas next week as 1400 members of the BSA National Council converge to vote on whether or not the Boy Scouts should allow gay youth to participate.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/new-york-news/badge-lgbt-inclusion">National Jewish Committee on Scouting</a> supports lifting the ban on gay scouts and leaders. The Unitarian Universalist Association has endorsed <a href="https://www.scoutsforequality.com/campaign-news/ucc-uua/">Scouts for Equality</a>'s work to overturn the ban. And all the way back in 2000, <a href="http://www.scoutingforall.org/data/layer02/aaic/010202.html">The Episcopal Church</a> passed a resolution, calling on the Scouts to drop their ban on gay scouts and leaders.</p>
<p>Several high profile <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/faith-leaders-express-disappointment-continued-ban-gay-boy-scout-leaders">Lutheran</a> and <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/presbyterian-clergy-call-end-ban-gay-scouts">Presbyterian</a> leaders have stated support for lifting the ban on gay scouts and leaders. They are joined by the <a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/MCC-Calls-for-an-END-TO-DISCRIMINATION-in-the-Boy-Scouts.html?soid=1112726741454&amp;aid=2DKb7J8V0SM">Metropolitan Community Church</a>, who is activating their membership to speak out in support of policy change this weekend.</p>
<p>GLAAD is encouraging people of faith to <a href="http://www.glaad.org/scouts">stand up for inclusive scouting on Facebook and Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.change.org/petitions/boy-scouts-of-america-vote-to-end-your-ban-on-both-gay-youth-and-adult-leaders">sign the petition telling the BSA Council to vote to end the ban</a> and <a href="http://www.glaad.org/scouts#pledge">pledge your support</a>. Share both people of faith graphics on social media. Learn how you can help end the ban on gay scouts and leaders at <a href="http://www.glaad.org/scouts">glaad.org/scouts</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152384926193840&amp;set=pb.186319338839.-2207520000.1368923098.&amp;type=3&amp;theater"><img class="media-image" height="425" id="2" style="height: 425px; width: 425px;;;;" width="425" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/947381_10152384926193840_268350419_n_0.jpg?itok=lVcxPahE" alt="" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://glaad.org/scouts">GLAAD first started calls</a> for the Boy Scouts of America to end its ban on gay scouts and scout leaders in April 2012 after Jennifer Tyrrell, a mom and den leader from Ohio was removed from her 7-year-old’s Cub Scout Pack for being gay. Tyrrell’s original <a href="http://change.org/scouts">Change.org petition</a> has attracted more than 343,000 signatures in support of ending the Boy Scouts’ ban on gay Scouts and leaders. Tyrrell, together with GLAAD, <a href="https://www.change.org/petitions/boy-scouts-of-america-vote-to-end-your-ban-on-both-gay-youth-and-adult-leaders">has launched a new petition</a> to urge the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to completely lift its anti-gay ban on both youth members and adult employees and volunteers. To take action on this issue please visit<a href="http://glaad.org/denmother">www.glaad.org/denmother</a>. For more on GLAAD's work on this campaign, including a timeline of key events, visit<a href="http://glaad.org/scouts">www.glaad.org/scouts</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">May 19, 2013</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/family">Family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/boy-scouts">Boy Scouts</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/boy-scouts-america">Boy Scouts of America</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/mormon">Mormon</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/roman-catholic">Roman Catholic</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/united-methodist">United Methodist</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/jewish">Jewish</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/episcopal-church-0">The Episcopal Church</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/united-church-christ">United Church of Christ</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/unitarian-univsalist-association">Unitarian Univsalist Association</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lutheran">lutheran</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Sat, 18 May 2013 19:54:40 +0000rossmurray65969 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/people-faith-support-equality-scouting#commentsPresbyterian clergy call for end to ban on gay scoutshttp://www.glaad.org/blog/presbyterian-clergy-call-end-ban-gay-scouts
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img class="media-image" id="6" style="margin: 5px; float: left;;;" src="http://www.m.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/chris-iosso-1024x910.jpg?itok=zzqcOl-C" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mlp.org/2013/01/30/presbyterian-clergy-call-for-an-end-to-ban-on-gay-scouts/">Clergy from the Presbyterian Church</a> (USA) are joining the <a href="http://www.ucc.org/news/united-church-of-christ-9.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20UnitedChurchOfChrist%20%28United%20Church%20of%20Christ%29">United Church of Christ</a> and <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/united-methodist-church-leaders-call-boy-scouts-drop-ban-gay-scouts">United Methodist Church</a> in calling on the Boy Scouts of America to end their ban on gay scouts and leaders.</p>
<p>Rev. Dr. Chris Iosso and Rev. Patrick Heery, who both spent years participating in the Boy Scouts and are both Eagle Scouts, wrote jointly:</p>
<blockquote><p style="margin-left:.25in;">WE are Eagle Scouts. We are Christians. We are ministers ordained in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). And we support the full inclusion of gay, bisexual, and transgender boys in the Boy Scouts of America. For us, there is no contradiction. There is no way for us to be true to our oath as Eagle Scouts without affirming the dignity and inclusion of all God’s children. We do not set aside our morality in making this decision; we embrace it. This is a moral choice.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><img class="media-image" id="6" style="margin: 5px; float: right;;;;;" src="http://www.m.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/patrickh.jpg?itok=Z_hTp5IW" alt="" />They have created a <a href="http://action.groundswell-movement.org/petitions/people-of-faith-say-lift-the-ban-on-gay-scouts">petition on Groundswell</a> asking the Boy Scouts of America to end their ban on gay, bisexual, and transgender scouts and leaders, stating that "lifting the ban will provide an opportunity for Scouts all over this great nation to discuss and wrestle with questions [of inclusion]—to do so bravely and openly as leaders for today."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/family-research-council-tries-co-opt-scout-sunday-people-faith-call-inclusion">Yesterday was "Scout Sunday,"</a> which is meant to mark the founding of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouts are encouraged to wear their uniforms to church and help with the services in a variety of ways. Next Saturday is "Scout Sabbath," for scouts who observe Sabbath on Saturdays. Often, troops sponsored by houses of worship are recognized on these days for their service and commitment to their communities.</p>
<p>Like the United Church of Christ and Presbyterian Church (USA), many Christian denominations, as well as other religious traditions, have changed their policies and now welcome LGBT members. It is time for the Boy Scouts of America to do the same.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">February 4, 2013</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/family">Family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/boy-scouts">Boy Scouts</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/united-church-christ">United Church of Christ</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/methodist">Methodist</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/chris-iosso">Chris Iosso</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/patrick-heery">Patrick Heery</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Mon, 04 Feb 2013 17:44:46 +0000miriamlazewatsky62135 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/presbyterian-clergy-call-end-ban-gay-scouts#commentsGuest Post: Why I Tell My Story: Putting it all on the linehttp://www.glaad.org/blog/guest-post-why-i-tell-my-story-putting-it-all-line
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img class="media-image" id="2" style="margin: 5px; float: left;;;;" src="https://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/alex-mcneill.jpg?itok=CyddqBMN" alt="" /></p>
<p><em>Alex Patchin McNeill’s driving passion is working for queer and transgender inclusion in sacred spaces, and fundraising for progressive social causes. He is the first openly transgender ministry candidate in his conservative Presbyterian region in Western North Carolina. Alex earned his Master’s of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School with scholarship on the intersection of religion, gender, sexuality, and reproductive rights. He has been writing, organizing, training, and preaching for LGBT equality for the past nine years. For four years, he served as the development director at a reproductive justice organization where he honed his skills in foundation and individual fundraising. Currently, he is one of the subjects of <a href="http://outoforderdoc.com/">Out of Order</a>, a documentary film being made about queer clergy in the PC(USA). He will continue to speak, organize, and fundraise for queer religious issues until all faithful LGBT individuals can call a church home.</em></p>
<p>Did I want my (future) congregation to see me as a man or as a transgender minister? You could hear the steady bzzzzz of the leaf blowers outside the church in the silence that hung after the Reverend asked his question. In the time between the asking and my answer, I tried to scan between every possible meaning of his query: Did they still not understand that coming out to them as transgender meant that I was striving to be seen as male? If I answered that I wanted to be seen as male, would they stop me from continuing in the ordination process? If I said that I don’t intend to hide the fact that I’m transgender, would that open me to all kinds of awkward follow-up questions?</p>
<p>I am the first person ever in my committee’s region of the Presbyterian Church, USA to come out as transgender while seeking to be ordained. The fact that they were asking me anything about being transgender at all is significant. To my knowledge I am also one of the first people to come out as a transgender man seeking ordination in the denomination. Though he likely didn’t know it, the Reverend’s question struck at the core of my six-year thought process around my transition: What kind of man did I want to be, and how willing would I be to share my story once I got there?</p>
<p>I was a faithful follower of Christ long before I was aware of where my gender journey was leading. My faith means the only answer I could give in that moment was the whole truth, despite the political ramifications and the urge to sugarcoat my reality to make it more palatable. I told my ordination committee that I want be seen as male, which is why I am in the process of legally, medically, and culturally transitioning from the female sex assigned at my birth into a man of whom Jesus would be proud. However, (and here’s the hardest part) I am willing to remain open and honest about my transition journey with my congregants and others long after I am consistently seen as male.</p>
<p>Being a transgender man is difficult, and my ordination committee is not the first gauntlet I’ve faced to defend the way my body looks. Daily, I face the temptation to hide the fact that I am transitioning. I know making the choice to be open about this journey won’t get any easier once my body stops inviting questions about my gender identity. It is blissfully enticing to think of just assimilating into maleness and never again having to answer personal questions about my body, respectfully asked or otherwise. I fear I will never stop having to justify my maleness if I remain open about being transgendered. I fear that no congregation will ever hire me to be their minister if I remain open about my transition. To date there is only one transgender woman who has kept her ordination credentials in the Presbyterian Church, USA, and no trans person has ever been hired to work at a church while out. The personal and professional consequences of being out are very real. Many amazing transgender people have made the difficult choice to keep their transition private, and I support their decision. However, I know I am called to something else.</p>
<p>I am called to remain open about my transition because I want to offer my journey to those who are struggling to make leaps of faith of their own, and to use my story to help the church welcome transgender people into their communities. </p>
<p>When I first started medically transitioning, I documented my experience on my blog and through Youtube videos I kept extremely private, like my own secret time-capsule. However, I had one of those come-to-Jesus moments that caused me to tear down the privacy settings on my posts, and start living as openly as I can as a transgender man.</p>
<p>I was at an annual retreat for LGBT folk seeking to be ministers in the Presbyterian Church. Since the ban against ordaining out gay and lesbian ministers has been lifted in our denomination, the retreat focused on how we can tell our stories to help move the denomination forward towards full welcome of LGBT persons in ministry. One of the attendees was a British independent documentary filmmaker who was inspired by the bravery of our group in seeking ordination that she wanted to tell a few of our stories in a feature length film. After I told my story she approached me and asked if I would agree to be one of the subjects of the documentary. I had a choice: I could either shrink back in fear of the unknown consequences of visibility, or I could put it all out there in the hopes that my story might give comfort or courage to someone who needed to hear it. </p>
<p>If I seek to follow Jesus, I cannot be content to protect myself while other people are suffering. Transgender Day of Remembrance memorializes those who were killed for living openly as transgender people or who were killed for being perceived in the wrong body at the wrong time. In 38 states in the US, you can be fired just for being transgender. In our churches and faith communities the spiritual violence inflicted on transgender people is just as horrifying. As a transgender Christian and future minister, I had a unique opportunity through the film to help combat transphobia in the church by sharing my story on a larger scale.</p>
<p>The film is called <a href="http://outoforderdoc.com/">Out of Order </a>and our first trailer was just released. In the weeks since the trailer has been public I’ve been amazed at the range of people who have seen their journeys reflected in our stories. It is a constant reminder of why I choose, daily, to be visible. At the conclusion of my meeting with the ministry committee, they voted to affirm my calling to ministry and keep me in the ordination process. I realized in that stretch of silence I was ready to live out my calling to share my journey. I will tell my story because I don’t want the violent result of those who lost their lives to be the final word. Their story continues in our collective struggle for liberation. </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">November 19, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/transgender">Transgender</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/alex-mcneill">Alex McNeill</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/guest-post">Guest post</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:23:15 +0000miriamlazewatsky60284 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/guest-post-why-i-tell-my-story-putting-it-all-line#commentsTransgender Faith Leaders Help Create Welcoming Communitieshttp://www.glaad.org/blog/transgender-faith-leaders-help-create-welcoming-communities
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>This week is Transgender Awareness Week and to mark the occasion, GLAAD’s Religion, Faith, and Values Program wants to highlight the achievements of a few trans faith leaders who have helped make their traditions more open and welcoming spaces for all people. </p>
<p><img class="media-image" id="6" style="margin: 5px; float: left;;;;;" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Cameron_Partridge.jpg?itok=iQQn1YUY" alt="" /> <a href="http://www.hds.harvard.edu/people/faculty/cameron-partridge">Rev. Cameron Partridge</a> serves as counselor to Episcopal/Anglican students at Harvard Divinity School, where he studied for his Masters in Divinity and Doctorate in Theology. Rev. Partridge now lectures at Harvard on both liturgical topics and those relating to gender and sexuality and has led congregations at <a href="http://www.bu.edu/today/2011/new-episcopal-chaplain-a-role-model/">Boston University</a> and <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=9&amp;ved=0CFcQFjAI&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cccambridge.org%2Fwho_leadership_partridge.php&amp;ei=WrmjULWMKeLs0gGK_4HoCg&amp;usg=AFQjCNE-fPM06ds9qm_SNjnzh_pUFT2GYA&amp;sig2=ByjGHahDx5fBmMGR-c2kiQ&amp;cad=rja">Christ Church in Cambridge, Mass</a>. Partridge, who transitioned over ten years ago, is married and has a young son. When his son is older, Partridge wants to tell him about his experience and transition and hopes it will help him grow up respecting others for who they are.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" id="6" style="margin: 5px; float: right;;;;;" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/JamieAnnMeyers.jpg?itok=22hHR1re" alt="" />Twenty five years ago, when she first began transitioning, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jamieann-meyers/translutherans-for-full-lgbt-participation_b_1667018.html">JamieAnn Meyers</a> struggled to find a place where she fit within the Lutheran (ELCA) Church. She is now the founder and facilitator of ReconcilingWorks’ affinity group, <a href="http://www.reconcilingworks.org/news/539-translutherans-affinity-group-formed-at-reconciling-works-2012">TransLutheran</a>, which was approved this past spring at the ReconcilingWorks’ board meeting in Minneapolis. She also writes for the Huffington post about trans inclusion and equality.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img class="media-image" id="6" style="margin: 5px; float: left;;;;;" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Nicole%20Garcia.jpg?itok=CCt6ehqL" alt="" /></p>
<p>Like JamieAnn Meyers, <a href="http://www.lgbtran.org/Profile.aspx?ID=325">Nicole Garcia</a> struggled with finding a church where she felt comfortable. Soon after she began transitioning in 2003, she discovered St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in downtown Denver, Colo. and began attending services regularly. In 2008 she was elected Transgender Representative to the Board of Directors of Lutherans Concerned/North America (now <a href="http://www.reconcilingworks.org/reconcilingworks/about-reconcilingworks/board-of-directors">ReconcilingWorks</a>). Nicole is deeply involved in the <a href="http://www.iwgonline.org/">Interfaith Working Group</a> (IWG), which supports transgender and gender nonconforming people from all faith backgrounds, and is pursuing a graduate degree in counseling.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" id="6" style="margin: 5px; float: right;;;;;" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/DavidWeekley.jpg?itok=TlpMZUb8" alt="" />In 2009, after having been ordained as a Methodist (UMC) minister for nearly 30 years, <a href="http://www.shermanswilderness.org/">Rev. David Weekley</a> decided to come out to his congregation. Before coming out, he had <a href="http://www.rmnblog.org/author-anonymous/">written anonymously for Reconciling Ministries Network</a>, and had talked about his frustrating with feeling forced back in the closet by a denomination that did not yet accept LGBT people. But when he came out, he was accepted. In an October 14, 2009 entry, he writes: “From the morning I first shared my transgender identity with my congregation I have received emails, letters, cards and other affirmations, prayer-support, and encouragement from all over the United States, and world. Most inspiring and joyful for me are the number of persons contacting me sharing their stories and sharing hope.”</p>
<p><img class="media-image" id="6" style="margin: 5px; float: left;;;;;" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/ErinSwenson.jpg?itok=tcSGNIuC" alt="" />In 1996, <a href="http://www.erinswen.com/">Rev. Erin Swenson</a> became the first Presbyterian (PCUSA) minister to retain her ordination after transitioning. In 1999, <a href="http://www.lgbtran.org/Profile.aspx?ID=68">she co-founded the Southern Association for Gender Education, Inc.</a> (SAGE), an organization dedicated to providing education and resources to colleges, universities, medical groups, and faith organizations. With her background in pastoral counseling, in 2003, Erin became the chair of the Health Ministries Committee of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta.</p>
<p>The work of Revs. Partridge and Swenson, JamieAnn Meyers, and Nicole Garcia are a few of many people toward acceptance and inclusion in their faith traditions. Without their dedication to change and understanding, welcome might have taken much longer. GLAAD is pleased to recognize the strength of these and other trans activists who work to make their traditions truly welcoming to all people.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">November 14, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/people-color">People of Color</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/transgender">Transgender</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/jamieann-meyers">JamieAnn Meyers</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/david-weekley">David Weekley</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/nicole-garcia">Nicole Garcia</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/cameron-partridge">Cameron Partridge</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/erin-swenson">Erin Swenson</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lutheran">lutheran</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/united-church-christ">United Church of Christ</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/ucc">ucc</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/reconcilingworks">ReconcilingWorks</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/reconciling-ministries-network">Reconciling Ministries Network</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Nov 2012 18:33:44 +0000miriamlazewatsky60232 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/transgender-faith-leaders-help-create-welcoming-communities#commentsMarriage Equality, New York Times, Muslim Mr. Gay Denmark and More! LGBT Religion News Summaryhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/marriage-equality-new-york-times-muslim-mr-gay-denmark-and-more-lgbt-religion-news-summary
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><em>GLAAD’s Religion, Faith &amp; Values program works to elevate LGBT-affirming voices of faith in mainstream, regional, and community media. To find out more, visit <a href="http://www.glaad.org/faith">www.glaad.org/faith</a>. </em></p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="250" id="2" style="width: 417px; height: 250px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left; ;;;;;" width="417" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/16JPVINES1-articleLarge_1.jpg?itok=Durb8J3v" alt="" /><a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday">Spirit Day</a> is fast approaching on October 19. We encourage all faith organizations to <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/faith">get involved</a>. If your organization or faith community would like to be listed as a Spirit Day partner, please email <a href="mailto:faith@glaad.org">faith@glaad.org</a>. Individuals are encouraged to <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday#pledge">take the pledge</a> to go purple.</p>
<p>African American Christians have become more of a political focal point, particularly concerning marriage equality. Some outlets are claiming that <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iuIhRuYwoh6WBIdr4-CtkNpu0Isg?docId=ebe1673d672949d19b7830696fd265da">marriage equality limits their support for President Obama</a>, while others focus on the <a href="http://washingtonexaminer.com/maryland-pastors-rally-support-for-same-sex-marriage/article/2508274#.UFifOrKPVPG">support for marriage equality</a> coming from <a href="http://equalitync.org/latest/blog/barber_open_letter_to_clergy/">African American church leaders</a>. Catholics are also garnering attention in <a href="http://www.wdio.com/article/stories/S2767750.shtml?cat=10349">Minnesota</a> and <a href="http://newwaysministryblog.wordpress.com/2012/09/17/in-washington-state-and-minnesota-catholics-can-make-the-difference-on-marriage-questions/">Washington</a>, which both have votes on marriage equality.</p>
<p>A gay minister in Reno had his <a href="http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/08/radio-station-cancels-public-affairs-program-over-interview-with-lgbt-advocate/">radio show pulled from a Fox News Radio Affiliate</a>, while the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/mass-gay-couple-sues-worcester-diocese-for-denying-opportunity-to-buy-church-owned-mansion/2012/09/10/5b5773a2-fb53-11e1-98c6-ec0a0a93f8eb_story.html">Worcester Diocese cancelled the sale of a mansion</a> for fear of potential marriage ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/14/san-franciscos-glide-memorial-church_n_1885739.html">This video</a> compresses two weeks’ worth of the struggle for LGBT equality in the United Methodist Church into 30 minutes, and one Presbyterian pastor <a href="http://layman.org/LettersToTheEditor.aspx?month=9&amp;year=2012">challenges her church’s ban on marriage equality</a>.</p>
<p>Matthew Vines, the 22-year old biblical scholar, had a profile in the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/16/fashion/matthew-vines-wont-rest-in-defending-gay-christians.html?_r=1&amp;src=twrhp">Sunday Style section of the New York Times</a> (photo above from NYT with GLAAD Director of Religion, Faith &amp; Values, Ross Murray, Matthew Vines, and Rev. Shari Brink of Marble Collegiate Church). Bishop Gene Robinson has a <a href="http://www.kentucky.com/2012/09/14/2336710/bishop-gene-robinsons-new-book.html">new book</a>, while a blog asks questions of a <a href="http://rachelheldevans.com/ask-a-transgender-christian-response">transgender Christian</a>. Unitarians continue to <a href="http://www.columbian.com/news/2012/sep/01/letter-uphold-marriage-equality/">support LGBT people</a>, both <a href="http://www.columbian.com/news/2012/sep/01/letter-uphold-marriage-equality/">locally</a> and <a href="http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120906/PUB04/209060427/-1/pub04">beyond</a>. <a href="http://www.edgeboston.com/news/local/features/137055/boston%E2%80%99s_keshet_welcomes_lgbt_jews_for_rosh_hashanah">LGBT Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah</a>, and <a href="http://www.queerty.com/mr-gay-denmark-michael-sinan-thomsen-comes-out-as-a-queer-muslim-20120905/">Mr. Gay Denmark is Muslim</a>. Fortunately, <a href="http://www.qmagazine.ca/Editorials/juanid1.html">he’s not alone</a>.</p>
<p>For additional religion and faith updates, be sure to subscribe via our <a href="http://action.glaad.org/connect">online registration form</a>. We welcome suggestions at <a href="mailto:faith@glaad.org">faith@glaad.org</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Black Churches</strong></p>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/therootdc/post/gay-marriage-debate-what-did-harry-jackson-pull-out-of-the-scheduled-howard-university-forum/2012/09/13/0402087e-fdc9-11e1-a31e-804fccb658f9_blog.html?wprss=rss_on-faith">Gay marriage debate: Why did Harry Jackson pull out of the scheduled Howard University forum?</a>
<ul><li>Washington Post, September 13, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://equalitync.org/latest/blog/barber_open_letter_to_clergy/">President of NC NAACP Writes "Open Letter to Clergy Who Are Trying to Confuse African American Voters on Wedge Issue of Marriage Equality"</a>
<ul><li>Equality North Carolina, September 13, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cheryl-b-anderson/divide-and-conquer-remix_b_1881551.html">Divide and Conquer--Remix</a>
<ul><li>Huffington Post, September 13, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iuIhRuYwoh6WBIdr4-CtkNpu0Isg?docId=ebe1673d672949d19b7830696fd265da">African-American Christians waver over vote</a>
<ul><li>Associated Press, September 16, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.edgeboston.com/news/religion/news/137021/atlanta_seminary_prof_claims_being_anti-gay_got_him_fired">Atlanta Seminary Prof. Claims Being Anti-Gay Got Him Fired</a>
<ul><li>Edge Boston, September 17, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://washingtonexaminer.com/maryland-pastors-rally-support-for-same-sex-marriage/article/2508274#.UFifOrKPVPG">Maryland pastors rally support for same-sex marriage</a>
<ul><li>Washington Examiner, September 18, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
</ul><p><strong>Catholic</strong></p>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/mass-gay-couple-sues-worcester-diocese-for-denying-opportunity-to-buy-church-owned-mansion/2012/09/10/5b5773a2-fb53-11e1-98c6-ec0a0a93f8eb_story.html">Mass. gay couple sues Worcester Diocese for denying opportunity to buy church-owned mansion</a>
<ul><li>Associated Press, September 10, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/11/franciscan-university-deviant-behavior_n_1874760.html">Franciscan University Deviant Behavior Class Equates Homosexuality With Rape, Murder</a>
<ul><li>Huffington Post, September 11, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.therainbowtimesmass.com/2012/09/12/gay-couple-sue-worcester-catholic-diocese-alleging-sexual-orientation-discrimination/">Gay Couple Sues Worcester Catholic Diocese, Alleging Discrimination</a>
<ul><li>Rainbow Times, September 12, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dispatch.com/content/blogs/the-eteam/2012/09/franciscan-university.html">Catholic college links homosexuality with crimes; draws fire from alumni</a>
<ul><li>Columbus Dispatch, September 13, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.wdio.com/article/stories/S2767750.shtml?cat=10349">Local Catholics Voice Their Opposition to Marriage Amendment</a>
<ul><li>WDIO, September 16, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://newwaysministryblog.wordpress.com/2012/09/17/in-washington-state-and-minnesota-catholics-can-make-the-difference-on-marriage-questions/">In Washington State and Minnesota, Catholics Can Make the Difference on Marriage Questions</a>
<ul><li>Bondings 2.0, September 17, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
</ul><p><strong>Christian</strong></p>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/08/radio-station-cancels-public-affairs-program-over-interview-with-lgbt-advocate/">Radio station cancels public affairs program over interview with LGBT advocate</a>
<ul><li>LGBTQ Nation, August 30, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2012/09/10/48584?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BoxTurtleBulletin+%28Box+Turtle+Bulletin%29">Exodus Board Member resigns over Alan Chambers acknowledging the possibility of gay Christians</a>
<ul><li>Box Turtle Bulletin, September 10, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.voice-online.co.uk/blog/can-you-be-out-and-proud-black-gay-christian">Can you be out and proud as a black, gay Christian?</a>
<ul><li>The Voice, September 11, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://rachelheldevans.com/ask-a-transgender-christian-response">Ask a transgender Christian</a>
<ul><li>Rachel Held Evans, September 15, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012/09/17/del-church-scout-troop-part-ways-on-gay-ban/57794568/1">Del. church, Scout troop part ways on gay ban</a>
<ul><li>USA Today, September 18, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
</ul><p><strong>Episcopal</strong></p>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.kentucky.com/2012/09/14/2336710/bishop-gene-robinsons-new-book.html">Bishop Gene Robinson's new book examines gay marriage, argues for its acceptance</a>
<ul><li>Lexington Herald Leader, September 14, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
</ul><p><strong>Evangelical</strong></p>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/16/fashion/matthew-vines-wont-rest-in-defending-gay-christians.html?_r=1&amp;src=twrhp">Turned Away, He Turned to the Bible</a>
<ul><li>New York Times, September 14, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://canyonwalkerconnections.com/matthew-vines-reforming-the-gay-christian-debate/">Matthew Vines | Reforming the Gay Christian Debate</a>
<ul><li>Canyonwalker Connections, September 18, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
</ul><p><strong>International</strong></p>
<ul><li><a href="http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/news/northern-territory/8642-exclusive-brethren-doctor-banned-after-giving-gay-cure.html">Exclusive Brethren doctor banned after giving gay 'cure'</a>
<ul><li>Gay News Network, September 7, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9548537/Frances-most-senior-Catholic-cleric-says-same-sex-marriage-will-lead-to-incest.html">France's most senior Catholic cleric says same-sex marriage will lead to incest</a>
<ul><li>The Telegraph, September 17, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/jamaican-christians-liken-gay-sex-bestiality-%E2%80%98love-march%E2%80%99170912">Jamaican Christians liken gay sex to bestiality in ‘Love March’</a>
<ul><li>Gay Star News, September 17, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
</ul><p><strong>Jewish</strong></p>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.edgeboston.com/news/local/features/137055/boston%E2%80%99s_keshet_welcomes_lgbt_jews_for_rosh_hashanah">Boston’s Keshet Welcomes LGBT Jews for Rosh Hashanah</a>
<ul><li>Edge Boston, September 17, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
</ul><p><strong>Marriage Equality</strong></p>
<ul><li><a href="http://bangordailynews.com/2012/09/10/politics/same-sex-marriage-rally-draws-300-takes-religious-tone/">Same-sex marriage rally draws nearly 500, takes religious tone</a>
<ul><li>Bangor Daily News, September 10, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-giannone/true-and-false-religious-_b_1881221.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000008">True And False Religious Freedom</a>
<ul><li>Huffington Post, September 13, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
</ul><p><strong>Methodist</strong></p>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/14/san-franciscos-glide-memorial-church_n_1885739.html">San Francisco's Glide Memorial Church Joins The Fight For Gay Rights (VIDEO)</a>
<ul><li>Huffington Post, September 14, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2012/sep/15/church-honor-expelled-minister-20120915/?features">Church to honor expelled minister</a>
<ul><li>Northwest Arkansas Online, September 15, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pressherald.com/opinion/marriage-equality-is-boon-not-threat-to-religious-freedom_2012-09-15.html?page">Another View: Marriage equality is boon, not threat, to religious freedom</a>
<ul><li>Portland Press Herald, September 17, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
</ul><p><strong>Mormon</strong></p>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifestyle/54897936-80/choir-bridges-horn-group.html.csp">Mormon marchers taking new strides toward LGBT harmony</a>
<ul><li>Salt Lake Tribune, September 14, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
</ul><p><strong>Muslim</strong></p>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.queerty.com/mr-gay-denmark-michael-sinan-thomsen-comes-out-as-a-queer-muslim-20120905/">Mr. Gay Denmark Michael Sinan Thomsen Comes Out… As A Queer Muslim</a>
<ul><li>Queerty, September 5, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.qmagazine.ca/Editorials/juanid1.html">Coming out for queer Muslims</a>
<ul><li>Q Magazine, September 16, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
</ul><p><strong>Presbyterian</strong></p>
<ul><li><a href="http://layman.org/LettersToTheEditor.aspx?month=9&amp;year=2012">Explaining my past and ongoing Christian witness to LGBT communities</a>
<ul><li>The Layman, September 13, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
</ul><p><strong>Unitarian Universalist</strong></p>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/08/29/2658328/community-activist-marian-beddill.html#storylink=cpy">Community activist Marian Beddill recounts her gender journey in autobiography</a>
<ul><li>The Bellingham Herald, August 29, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.columbian.com/news/2012/sep/01/letter-uphold-marriage-equality/">Uphold marriage equality</a>
<ul><li>The Columbian, September 1, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120906/PUB04/209060427/-1/pub04">The gay flag</a>
<ul><li>South Coast Today, September 6, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mlive.com/living/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/09/new_grand_rapids_pastor_didnt.html">New Grand Rapids pastor 'didn't come here to bring gay marriage to Michigan'</a>
<ul><li>M Live, September 10, 2012</li>
</ul></li>
</ul><p> </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">September 21, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/spirit-day">Spirit Day</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/religion-news-summary">Religion News Summary</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/matthew-vines">Matthew Vines</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/spirit-day">Spirit Day</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/president-obama">President Obama</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/united-methodists">United Methodists</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/rosh-hashanah">Rosh Hashanah</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/bishop-gene-robinson">Bishop Gene Robinson</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/unitarian-universalist">Unitarian Universalist</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Tue, 18 Sep 2012 20:53:12 +0000rossmurray59465 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/marriage-equality-new-york-times-muslim-mr-gay-denmark-and-more-lgbt-religion-news-summary#commentsReligion News Summary Highlights for July 19, 2012http://www.glaad.org/blog/religion-news-summary-highlights-july-19-2012
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-2-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="2" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/UB-sat-45_0.jpg?itok=LtLkpIob" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>GLAAD’s Religion, Faith &amp; Values program works to elevate LGBT-affirming voices of faith in mainstream, regional, and community media. To find out more, visit <a href="http://www.glaad.org/faith">www.glaad.org/faith</a>. For additional religion and faith updates, be sure to check out our <a href="http://www.glaad.org/issues/religion-faith">blog</a>. Thank you for forwarding. You may subscribe via our <a href="http://action.glaad.org/connect">online registration form</a>. We welcome suggestions at <a href="mailto:faith@glaad.org">faith@glaad.org</a>.</p>
<p>The Episcopal Church’s votes to <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/episcopal-church-authorizes-new-blessing-gay-and-lesbian-couples">use a blessing rite</a> for gay and lesbian weddings and to <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/episcopal-church-votes-include-transgender-people-77th-general-convention">officially stand against discrimination</a> based on gender identity garnered a lot of press last week. Earlier in the month, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jamieann-meyers/translutherans-for-full-lgbt-participation_b_1667018.html?fb_action_ids=10151268392257388%2C10102548403470831%2C10151116934569612%2C3843731566157%2C3843698325326&amp;fb_action_types=news.reads&amp;fb_ref=type%3Aread%2Cuser%3Av8NwyYhzqLznvdHreuAtA3w0HbA%2Ctype%3Aread%2Cuser%3Axhw5khPgEfXMDd817uPvOkrc9iM&amp;fb_source=other_multiline&amp;action_object_map=%7B%2210151268392257388%22%3A10151087160516352%2C%2210102548403470831%22%3A10151087160516352%2C%2210151116934569612%22%3A10151025805873232%2C%223843731566157%22%3A10150964838019472%2C%223843698325326%22%3A10150903232591782%2C%22610180337278%22%3A10150691507469403%7D">TransLutherans was announced as a new affinity group</a> in <a href="http://www.reconcilingworks.org/">ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation</a>. Meggan Sommerville writes <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/trans-girl-cross/2012/07/being-transgender-is-not-a-choice/">about being transgender</a> within her church. A former Mormon bishop <a href="http://www.advocate.com/commentary/2012/07/13/former-mormon-bishop-says-queer-eye-changed-his-mind-lgbt-equality">explains how the Queer Eye for the Straight Guy</a> crew led him to be an LGBT ally. Kate Childs Graham offers a <a href="http://ncronline.org/blogs/young-voices/methodist-presbyterian-and-episcopalian">Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian perspective on the rights of laity and clergy</a> to change Church policy. </p>
<p>The first couple to be married on a military base <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/life/the_wedding/2012/07/erwynn_umali_and_will_behrens_the_first_gay_wedding_on_a_military_base_.single.html">met at a Baptist church</a>, but some chaplains are coming <a href="http://theseattlelesbian.com/military-chaplaincy-responds-to-southern-baptist-convention-attack-on-military-chaplain/">under fire for attending the wedding</a>. And noted civil rights advocate, Gil Caldwell, notes that the <a href="http://www.believeoutloud.com/boltoday/20120711/us-military-and-united-methodist-church-when-will-umc-catch-up">military is now ahead of the United Methodist Church</a> in terms of LGBT equality.</p>
<p>Last week in suburban Minnesota, <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2012/07/in-sleepy-minnesota-suburbs-church-ladies-launch-gay-marriage-crusade/259678/">a coalition of Presbyterian women</a> campaigned against a ban on marriage equality in the state. Father Bob Pierson, a gay Roman Catholic priest in Minnesota, <a href="http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2012/07/16/gay-priest-speaks-against-minnesota-marriage-amendment">told a group of 200 Catholics last month</a> they can vote against the amendment that would ban marriage equality this November. <a href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/jul/14/guest-opinion-were-catholic-and-were-for/">A Catholic couple also explains</a> why they support marriage equality in Washington.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">July 19, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/transgender">Transgender</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lgbt">Lgbt</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/religion-news-summary">Religion News Summary</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/translutherans">TransLutherans</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/transgender-0">transgender</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/trans">trans</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/mormon">Mormon</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/methodist">Methodist</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/episcopalian">Episcopalian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/episcopal-church">Episcopal Church</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/military">military</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/catholic">Catholic</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/dadt">DADT</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 18 Jul 2012 17:33:32 +0000nicholelatimer58619 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/religion-news-summary-highlights-july-19-2012#commentsGLAAD Study: Media Need to Highlight LGBT-Affirming Religious Voiceshttp://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-study-media-need-highlight-lgbt-affirming-religious-voices
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img class="media-image" height="156" id="2" style="margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: right; width: 156px; height: 156px;;" width="156" src="https://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/missingvoicesicon_0.jpg?itok=p-3iWxLK" alt="" />Today, GLAAD released '<a href="http://www.glaad.org/missingvoices">Missing Voices: A study of religious voices in Mainstream Media reports about LGBT equality</a>'. The study found that that <em><a href="http://www.glaad.org/missingvoices">three out of every four</a> </em>people of faith called on to speak about LGBT issues in the media came from anti-LGBT traditions. The report was commissioned by GLAAD and conducted by the University of Missouri Center on Religion &amp; the Professions and examines the religious voices presented in national news outlets in print and television on LGBT issues.</p>
<p><a href="http://glaad.org/missingvoices">See the key findings here. </a></p>
<p>The research found that the media was overwhelmingly relying on the voices of those whose religions have formal policies opposing LGBT equality, despite the fact that acceptance of LGBT people is growing across all faith traditions. These voices come disproportionately from the Evangelical Christian and, to a lesser degree, Roman Catholic traditions. Most messages from these voices about LGBT people were negative.</p>
<p>“Today’s media has a responsibility to reflect the diversity of religious voices, rather than just those who choose not to support LGBT people,” said Ross Murray, Director of the Religion, Faith &amp; Values Program at GLAAD. “By elevating select anti-LGBT voices who are out of touch with so many in their own churches, media is falsely representing views of entire religious groups and contributing to a climate that isolates LGBT youth and adults from their faith, a false dichotomy that no one should have to make.”</p>
<p><a href="http://www.glaad.org/missingvoices"><img class="media-image" height="647" id="3" style="height: 647px; width: 250px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left;;" width="250" src="https://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/1200px/public/GLAAD_MissingVoices_factsheet-image.jpg?itok=5oPK4odF" alt="" /></a>Evangelical Christians account for almost 40 percent of all the negative statements about LGBT issues made by religiously identified spokespeople. And half of the faith organizations called on by the media were Evangelical, even though only a quarter of Americans identify as such.</p>
<p>Spokespeople for Roman Catholic hierarchy accounted for another 12 percent of negative statements, despite the fact that lay Catholics - whom these spokespeople are used by the media to represent - are by and large supportive of the LGBT community.</p>
<p>Equally striking was the finding that voices from the growing number of religious groups that are <em>affirming</em> of LGBT people were largely missing. The mainstream media used far fewer religious sources from Mainline Protestant (17 percent), Jewish (5 percent), or other religious sources whose messages could be expected to be predominantly positive.</p>
<p>A majority of Americans of all religions and denominations support the LGBT community in matters like non-discrimination and hate crime protections. And support continues to grow across the country even on the issue of marriage equality. According to the <a href="http://publicreligion.org/research/2012/01/research-note-beyond-secular-vs-religious-religious-divides-in-support-for-same-sex-marriage/">Public Religion Research Institute</a>, support for marriage equality is strongest among Jews (76 percent), and non-Christian religiously affiliated Americans (63 percent), a group that includes Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims. But a majority of white Catholics (56 percent), Hispanic Catholics (53 percent), and white mainline Protestants (52 percent) also favor allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry.</p>
<p>Media portrayals reinforce cultural biases, particularly about the relationship between religion and the LGBT community. LGBT or pro-LGBT sources are often presented without any religious affiliation, thus contributing to a false and overly sensational ‘religion vs. gay’ frame. Despite their underrepresentation, there are many examples of LGBT-affirming religious voices, some of whom identify as LGBT themselves.</p>
<p>Within this past week, we caught glimpses of the pro-LGBT religious movement. The ‘<a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/gay-christian-yes-billboard-appears-michigan">Gay Christian? YES!</a>’ campaign launched in Michigan. A young Christian continues his quest to demonstrate <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matthew-vines/bible-homosexuality_b_1378368.html">the biblical support for equality</a>. A Grammy and Dove-award nominated Christian singer shares <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/guest-post-value-your-experience">her story</a> as a Christian and a lesbian. And a youth Catholic makes the difficult choice to disassociate himself with <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph-amodeo/young-catholic-resigns-catholic-charities-board_b_1405058.html">Catholic Charities</a> because the hierarchy cannot be charitable toward homeless LGBT youth. These are the voices that only exist on the margins and are missing from mainstream media.</p>
<p>GLAAD offers ‘Missing Voices’ to encourage the media to accurately represent pro-LGBT voices of faith. GLAAD will be presenting findings to national and local news rooms as part of a project to elevate messages from pro-LGBT religious voices.</p>
<p>Download <a href="http://www.glaad.org/missingvoices">Missing Voices: A study of religious voices in Mainstream Media reports about LGBT equality</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">April 12, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/missing-voices">Missing Voices</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/evangelical">Evangelical</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/roman-catholic">Roman Catholic</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/jewish">Jewish</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lutheran">lutheran</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/episcopalian">Episcopalian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:57:52 +0000rossmurray49575 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-study-media-need-highlight-lgbt-affirming-religious-voices#commentsMore Light Presbyterians Celebrate Anniversaries, Look Forward to National Conferencehttp://www.glaad.org/2011/08/23/more-light-presbyterians-celebrate-anniversaries-look-forward-to-national-conference
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/more_light_presbyterians.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-43068 alignleft" title="more_light_presbyterians" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/more_light_presbyterians.jpg" alt="" width="168" height="91" /></a>More Light Presbyterians’ National Conference will take place next Labor Day weekend, September 2-4, in Rochester, NY. More Light Presbyterians, founded in 1974, is a group of Presbyterian congregations, clergy, and laity working “<a href="http://www.mlp.org/index.php?topic=aboutmlp">for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA).</a>”</p>
<p>The “Reflecting God’s Heart” convocation will celebrate the passage of both Presbyterian Amendment 10-A and of marriage equality in New York. It is the first major pro-LGBT Presbyterian gathering since <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2011/05/11/presbyterian-church-allows-openly-gay-clergy/">the passage of Amendment 10-A</a> by the Presbyterian Church (USA) on May 10, 2011. Amendment 10-A, which <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2011/07/09/july-10-is-a-big-day-for-lgbt-presbyterians/">went into effect on June 10</a>, allows for the ordination of openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ministers, elders, and deacons.</p>
<p>More Light Presbyterians also recently celebrated the 20<sup>th</sup> anniversary of full LGBT inclusion at Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Hal Porter, speaking at the 20<sup>th</sup> Anniversary celebration, remarked that “certainly, because of the inclusion policy, we all began to experience a depth of the Gospel that we had never known before, gay and straight together.”</p>
<div style="width: 160px;float:right;"><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/1JanetEdwards.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-39891" title="1JanetEdwards" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/1JanetEdwards-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>
<p>Image from Advocate.com</p>
</div>
<p>The Rev. Dr. Janet Edwards, who is the moderator of More Light Presbyterians and who <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2011/07/12/as-presbyterian-church-begins-ordaining-lgbt-clergy-longtime-advocate-rev-dr-janet-edwards-comes-out-as-bisexual/">came out</a> as bi <a href="http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/07/11/OPED_As_Presbyterians_Accept_Gay_Ministers,_An_Advocate_Comes_Out/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%253A+AdvocatecomDailyNews+%28Advocate.com+Daily+News%29">following the passage of Amendment 10-A</a>, noted <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-dr-janet-edwards/a-church-of-the-future-an_b_930738.html"><em>in The Huffington Post</em></a> that “while many faithful Christians today are beginning to move in the direction of full inclusion, Mt. Auburn has been showing us the way to the future of the church, since the early 1990s.” Mt. Auburn, she said, has served as a guide for the progression of many denominations and congregations towards affirmation and acceptance of all people of faith.</p>
<p>By amending their constitution, the Presbyterian Church (USA) joined the <a href="http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Social-Issues/Social-Statements/JTF-Human-Sexuality.aspx">Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)</a>, <a href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/documents/theologycomreport.pdf">the Episcopal Church</a>, and <a href="http://www.ucccoalition.org/programs/ona/background/1985/">the United Church of Christ</a> as a fully inclusive denomination. In light of frequent portrayals of anti-gay opposition as being a predominantly religious movement, GLAAD is always happy to highlight the voices of LGBT affirming people of faith, congregations and denominations.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 23, 2011</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/10a">10A</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/elca">ELCA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/episcopal-church">Episcopal Church</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/more-light-presbyterians">More Light Presbyterians</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/pcusa">PCUSA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/presbyterian-church-usa">Presbyterian Church (USA)</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/rev-janet-edwards">Rev. Janet Edwards</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/united-church-christ">United Church of Christ</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:20:43 +0000glaad34282 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/08/23/more-light-presbyterians-celebrate-anniversaries-look-forward-to-national-conference#commentsLGBT Religion News Updates for August 10, 2011http://www.glaad.org/2011/08/10/lgbt-religion-news-updates-for-august-10-2011
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>For the complete weekly listing of LGBT religion news links, please subscribe to <a href="mailto:faith@glaad.org" target="_blank">faith@glaad.org</a>.</p>
<div style="width: 160px;float:left;"><a href="http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/08/05/Baptist_Minister_Protests_Lack_of_Marriage_Equality/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AdvocatecomDailyNews+%28Advocate.com+Daily+News%29&amp;utm_content=Google+Reader"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-42087" title="NANCY_PETTYX390" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/NANCY_PETTYX390-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>
<p>Pastor Nancy Petty. Image from the Advocate. </p>
</div>
<p><a href="http://www.southfloridagaynews.com/news/national-news/4219-nc-pastor-i-should-be-able-to-marry-gay-couples.html">Nancy Petty, a Baptist pastor in North Carolina</a> doesn’t want to <a href="http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/08/05/Baptist_Minister_Protests_Lack_of_Marriage_Equality/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AdvocatecomDailyNews+%28Advocate.com+Daily+News%29&amp;utm_content=Google+Reader">perform any weddings at all</a> until marriage equality becomes <a href="http://www.abpnews.com/content/view/6631/53/">a reality for all people</a>. A gay Presbyterian pastor who left the Presbyterian ministry 21 years ago has been <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/features/religion/126617033.html">cleared to return</a> in light of the passage of <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2011/07/09/july-10-is-a-big-day-for-lgbt-presbyterians/">Presbyterian Amendment 10A</a>. The LGBT synagogue Beit Simchat Torah, which plans to move into its new (and first) permanent location in 2013, <a href="http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/08/gay-synagogue-finds-a-home-full-of-ancient-assyrians/?hpw">was featured in the New York Times</a>. Rev. Greg Renstrom of New Harmony United Methodist Church is <a href="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/126555103.html">under investigation</a> for performing <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/religion-news-in-brief/2011/08/03/gIQA1nUHsI_story.html">blessing ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples</a>. Kathy Baldock, a straight Evangelical Christian ally and creator of the <a href="http://canyonwalkerconnections.com/hurtby-church-get-a-str8-apology-here/">Str8Apology</a> initiative, <a href="http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/08/trans-mockery-in-the-house-of-god-get-educated/">wrote yesterday</a> in <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2011/08/08/kathy-baldock-straight-evangelical-christian-ally-speaking-out-in-support-of-the-transgender-community/">support of the transgender community</a>, and <a href="http://www.theevangelicalnetwork.net/">the Evangelical Network</a> spoke out <a href="http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2011/08/evangelical_network_speaks_out.php">in favor of California’s FAIR Education Act</a>.</p>
<div style="width: 160px;float:right;"><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Kathy-Hurt-Tee.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-42014" title="Kathy-Hurt-Tee" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Kathy-Hurt-Tee-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>
<p>Kathy Baldock. Image from LGBTQ Nation.</p>
</div>
<p>Good news coming in from New York state this week. <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2011/08/09/archbishop-of-albany-to-hold-mass-at-lgbt-catholic-conference-vatican-investigates-lgbt-friendly-catholic-community-in-mexico/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+glaadblog+%28GLAADBlog.org%29&amp;utm_cont">Roman Catholic Bishop Howard Hubbard, archbishop of Albany, New York, will hold a Vigil Mass</a> at the 2011 Conference of the <a href="http://www.calgm.org/calgm-national-conferences">Catholic Association for Lesbian and Gay Ministry</a>(CALGM). <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2011/08/08/german-cardinal-criticizes-roman-catholic-church-for-negative-tone-toward-lgbt-people/">A German Cardinal has criticized the Roman Catholic Church</a>, saying that the Church “<a href="http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=11288">has not always adopted the right tone</a>” towards LGBT people. The Vatican is investigating Bishop Raul Vera Lopez of Saltillo, Mexico, who has been accused of <a href="http://instinctmagazine.com/blog/vatican-investigating-gay-friendly-mexican-bishop?directory=100011">promoting LGBT relationships</a>. Overseas, the last Roman Catholic adoption agency in the UK, which refuses to grant adoptions to LGBT families, <a href="http://www.christian.org.uk/news/last-rc-adoption-agency-to-continue-fight-for-survival/">won an appeal and was granted a temporary stay</a>. Ten of the 11 former Roman Catholic adoption agencies in the UK have either disbanded or secularized in response to calls to end discriminatory practices and to include all families.</p>
<p>Thanks for your suggestions, and please continue to forward and subscribe to <a href="mailto:faith@glaad.org" target="_blank">faith@glaad.org</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 10, 2011</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/10a">10A</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/baptist">Baptist</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/beit-simchat-torah">Beit Simchat Torah</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/bishop-howard-hubbard">Bishop Howard Hubbard</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/bishop-raul-vera-lopez">Bishop Raul Vera Lopez</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/calgm">CALGM</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/cardinal-reinhard-marx">Cardinal Reinhard Marx</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/catholic-association-lesbian-and-gay-ministry">Catholic Association for Lesbian and Gay Ministry</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/evangelical">Evangelical</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/fair-education-act">FAIR Education Act</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/gay-adoption">Gay Adoption</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/kathy-baldock">kathy baldock</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/rev-greg-renstrom">Rev. Greg Renstrom</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/evangelical-network">The Evangelical Network</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:20:36 +0000glaad34221 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/08/10/lgbt-religion-news-updates-for-august-10-2011#commentsJuly 10 is a BIG DAY for LGBT Presbyterianshttp://www.glaad.org/2011/07/09/july-10-is-a-big-day-for-lgbt-presbyterians
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/pcusa_full_logo.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-39743" title="pcusa_full_logo" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/pcusa_full_logo-293x300.jpg" alt="" width="159" height="163" /></a>On Sunday, July 10, changes to the <a href="http://www.pcusa.org/">Presbyterian Church (USA)</a>'s constitution go into effect, allowing the ordination of openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ministers, elders and deacons. </p>
<!--more--><p>Ratification of these constitutional changes <a href="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/121605074.html">was assured on May 10, 2011, when a majority of the 173 presbyteries voted to change the policy through a nationwide ratification process</a>. Voting on the amendment continued through July. Ninety-seven presbyteries approved the amendment which will become official policy for the entire denomination on Sunday, July 10.</p>
<p>"This Sunday, Presbyterians from Seattle to Nashville are praising God and celebrating. Our church has moved another step closer to fully embracing the love and inclusion taught to us by Jesus Christ," said the Rev. Janet Edwards, co-moderator of More Light Presbyterians, the oldest pro-LGBT faith organization that relates to the Presbyterian Church (USA). "We know God is at work when of almost all presbyteries voted more strongly for the welcome and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members than ever before, in the history of the Presbyterian Church."</p>
<p>While most of the media focused on the Presbyterians in May, when the policy was ratified by a majority of presbyteries, the actual policy change date will signify the real policy change for the Presbyterian Church (USA). Presbyterian groups and churches all over the country are celebrating the passage of policy change on Sunday, July 10. Some are choosing a moment for mission, some are opening worship services with a special invocation and prayer. To assist, More Light Presbyterians has created a <a href="http://www.mlp.org/fmd/files/MLPJuly10WorshipResource.pdf">special common liturgy and prayer</a> that can be used for this purpose.</p>
<p>GLAAD has been working with <a href="http://www.mlp.org/">More Light Presbyterians</a>, <a href="http://tamfs.org/">That All May Freely Serve</a>, <a href="http://www.presbyterianwelcome.org/">Presbyterian Welcome</a>, and the <a href="http://covnetpres.org/">Covenant Network</a>. GLAAD has media trained many of their leaders. GLAAD also worked between May 10 and June 10 to collect stories of what policy change in the Presbyterian Church means to you. <a href="http://www.glaad.org/10a/stories">There is still time to submit your own thoughts about the Presbyterian Church</a>. Some of these results are also displayed on GLAAD’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GLAAD">Facebook page</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/glaad">Twitter account</a>. GLAAD will continue to monitor coverage about the Presbyterian Church, to ensure the coverage is accurate and gives voice to those who are celebrating the policy change.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">July 9, 2011</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/presbyterian-church-usa">Presbyterian Church (USA)</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:20:19 +0000rossmurray34093 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/07/09/july-10-is-a-big-day-for-lgbt-presbyterians#commentsPresbyterian Church Allows Openly Gay Clergyhttp://www.glaad.org/2011/05/11/presbyterian-church-allows-openly-gay-clergy
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Presbyterian-logo.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-36061" title="Presbyterian logo" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Presbyterian-logo-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>In a momentous victory for LGBT people of faith, the Presbyterian Church (USA) has officially sanctioned the ordination of LGBT clergy. Last year, the General Assembly <a href="http://www.christiancentury.org/article/2011-03/gay-cause-leads-pcusa-voting">voted in favor of dropping the ban</a> on allowing LGBT clergy to serve openly in a 373-323 vote. Yesterday a majority of regional presbyteries also voted in favor of ending the ban, meaning the change will become official practice in the Presbyterian Church. This is the fourth time in fourteen years that Presbyterians have moved toward full inclusion in the clergy and it seems as though the fourth time was the charm. Eighty-seven of the 173 presbyteries needed to <a href="http://www.covnetpres.org/amendment-10-a-vote-chart/">vote</a> in favor of ending the ban in order for the change to pass. That number was met and then surpassed when the Twin Cities presbytery, covering Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn., voted in favor of ending the ban. Just 63 presbyteries have voted in opposition. This change in ordination policy is particularly important because the Presbyterian Church is one of the largest Mainline Protestant denominations in the United States, after the United Methodist Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).</p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/gene-robinson1.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-36060" title="gene robinson(1)" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/gene-robinson1-222x300.jpg" alt="" width="133" height="180" /></a>The Presbyterian Church is not the only mainline Protestant denomination that has moved toward full inclusion of LGBT members. Both the <a href="http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Social-Issues/Social-Statements/JTF-Human-Sexuality.aspx">ELCA</a> and the <a href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/documents/theologycomreport.pdf">Episcopal Church</a> (the fourth largest Mainline Protestant denomination) have approved resolutions that support the full inclusion of LGBT people of faith. The Episcopal Church has ordained LGBT clergy since 1989 and <a href="http://www.hrc.org/issues/4990.htm">passed a resolution</a> in 1994 that officially prohibited denying ordination based on sexual orientation. The church made waves in 2003 when the Rev. V. Gene Robinson was consecrated as bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire. Of the four largest Mainline Protestant Denominations, the United Methodist Church is the only one that has yet to officially adopt policies that support full inclusion. Many individual churches, however, are openly welcoming of LGBT members and affiliate with the <a href="http://www.rmnetwork.org/">Reconciling Ministries Network</a>, a grassroots movement that seeks to change church policy to allow for full inclusion of LGBT members of the United Methodist Church.</p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Ruben-Diaz.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-36062" title="Ruben Diaz" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Ruben-Diaz-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>When anti-LGBT political or religious figures argue that they represent the “religious” or “Christian” perspective, their words must be taken with a grain of salt. This way of thinking is clear in the case of New York State Sen. Rev. Ruben Diaz, who is ordained in the Church of God, a Charismatic Pentecostal church. Sen. Rev. Diaz has <a href="http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2011/05/new-york-sen-ruben-diaz-launches.html">called for a boycott</a> of the Spanish-language newspaper El Diario after the paper published an editorial supportive of the move towards marriage equality in New York State. Sen. Rev. Diaz claims that El Diario is “anti-Christian” because it supports LGBT equality. This claim is far from representative of the position many faithful Christians actually hold. As evidenced by the official position of the Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Episcopal churches, as well as lay movements among other denominations, like Methodists. Those who claim to speak from the “Christian position” may speak on behalf of themselves, and perhaps their own denominations, but to claim that they represent all Christians is a gross misstatement.</p>
<p>As one more mainline Protestant denomination moves towards full LGBT inclusion, it is important to remember that the loudest voices do not always represent the majority. Religious figures and organizations, from the Westboro Baptist Church to Sen. Rev. Ruben Diaz garner news coverage in large part because their views are outside the mainstream. “One of the most beautiful tenets of Christianity is the love for all people,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. “Yesterday’s landmark vote is a true affirmation of that principle. We're delighted that the Presbyterians have formally joined the millions of faithful Americans who welcome their gay and lesbian brothers and sisters just as they are.”<strong></strong></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">May 11, 2011</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/bishop-gene-robinson">Bishop Gene Robinson</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/minnesota">Minnesota</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/presbyterian-church-usa">Presbyterian Church (USA)</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:19:53 +0000miriamlazewatsky33874 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/05/11/presbyterian-church-allows-openly-gay-clergy#commentsLGBT Faith Leaders Set the Pace in the New Year!http://www.glaad.org/2011/01/05/lgbt-faith-leaders-set-the-pace-in-the-new-year
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Three major LGBT faith leader stories greeted us in the new year: the <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-minister-profile-20110104,0,2374328.story?track=rss">Los Angeles Times</a> did an in-depth profile of a Presbyterian minister who identifies as a “<a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2435471120070824">lesbian evangelist</a>,” the Rev. Janie Spahr; two prominent Episcopal priests who are <a href="http://www.patriotledger.com/lifestyle/faith/x1442458517/Marriage-of-2-lesbian-Episcopal-priests-adds-new-twist-to-gay-issues" target="_blank">lesbians</a> were married by their Massachusetts bishop; and a gay man from the MCC church will lead the <a href="http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=news&amp;sc=glbt&amp;sc2=news&amp;sc3=&amp;id=114692">North Carolina Council of Churches</a>. </p>
<div style="width: 310px;"><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/The-Rev.-Jane-Adam-Spahr.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-30336" title="The Rev. Jane Adam Spahr" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/The-Rev.-Jane-Adam-Spahr-300x205.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="205" /></a>
<p>The Rev. Jane Adam Spahr</p>
</div>
<p>As Presbyterians vote region-by-region on another constitutional amendment for full equality in their denomination, the voice of <a href="http://www.google.com/#q=jane+spahr&amp;hl=en&amp;prmd=ivnsuo&amp;source=univ&amp;tbs=nws:1&amp;tbo=u&amp;ei=w58kTbCpF8Wclge18rn9AQ&amp;sa=X&amp;oi=news_group&amp;ct=title&amp;resnum=4&amp;sqi=2&amp;ved=0CC0QqAIwAw&amp;fp=8ee6039cee8040f">the Rev. Jane Adams Spahr</a> was given a powerful platform by the Los Angeles Times<em>. </em>It was picked up by news outlets in Georgia, California, Missouri, North Carolina and Kentucky, and it reached the “most shared news list” with over <a href="http://myprops.org/content/Hers-is-the-ministry-of-yes/">500 shares</a> on Facebook.<em> </em>The in-depth article on Rev. Spahr’s life and ministry comes at a moment in the life of the Presbyterian Church USA when the scales are tipping toward full equality. Denominational leaders continue to vote for <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/07/09/presbyterians-vote-for-ordination-equality-vote-to-study-marriage/">ordination</a> equality, and the regional Presbyteries are almost equally split on the issue and have yet to ratify the vote that comes to them every two years. </p>
<p>In her years of advocacy, the Rev. Spahr has faced three <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/08/21/rev-janie-spahr-tried-by-presbyterians-again/">church trials</a>, each with their series of appeals. Despite these challenges, she continues to serve as a beacon of hope in the Presbyterian Church USA and to all faith traditions. The final appeal is coming up on her most recent trial for officiating the marriages of couples who are lesbian or gay. If she is found guilty of these marriages, which she heartily acclaims, she may be told to ‘cease and desist.’ The Rev. Spahr intends to proceed and resist the “no” of the church because she believes “God's word is a big yes.” </p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Marriage-of-Katherine-Ragsdale-and-Mally-Lloyd-2.jpg.png"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-30338" title="Marriage of Katherine Ragsdale and Mally Lloyd 2.jpg" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Marriage-of-Katherine-Ragsdale-and-Mally-Lloyd-2.jpg-300x191.png" alt="" width="300" height="191" /></a> </p>
<p>In Boston on January 1 at the Cathedral of St. Paul, Bishop M. Thomas Shaw celebrated the <a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/1/prweb8041704.htm">marriage</a> of the Very Rev. Katherine Hancock Ragsdale, dean and president of the <a href="http://www.eds.edu/" target="_blank">Episcopal Divinity School</a> in Cambridge, and the Rev. Canon Mally Ewing Lloyd, <a href="http://www.diomass.org/" target="_blank">Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts</a> canon to the ordinary, which was witnessed by 400 guests. The Episcopal News Service press release noted that it has been a year since Bishop Shaw gave clergy in the diocese <a href="http://episcopalchurch.org/81803_117422_ENG_HTM.htm" target="_blank">permission</a> to solemnize marriages for all eligible couples and that this was his first marriage of a couple who is gay or lesbian. </p>
<p>The Episcopal Church eliminated any restrictions against ordination of priests or bishops who are gay or lesbian in 2008 and voted to encourage clergy to offer a “<a href="http://gc2009.org/ViewLegislation/view_leg_detail.aspx?id=898&amp;type=Final" target="_blank">generous pastoral response</a>” to couples seeking blessings, unions or marriages where they are legal. And, despite intense international pressures, they also authorized a <a href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/gc/ccab/ccab_21595_323230_ENG_HTM.htm" target="_blank">Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music</a> to develop liturgies for blessing relationships of gay and lesbian couples. The<em> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/30/us/30bcrites.html">Arcus Foundation</a></em> is helping leaders from around the world work on the liturgies through a generous grant. The US based denomination will meet again in 2012 to consider the liturgies as <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2009/07/16/the-episcopal-church-says-%e2%80%9cyes%e2%80%9d-to-ordination-for-gays/">Anglican</a>s in the global mother church struggle to find their way on LGBT equality. </p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Stan-Kimer.png"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-30339" title="Stan Kimer" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Stan-Kimer-216x300.png" alt="" width="162" height="221" /></a> </p>
<p>In North Carolina, Stan Kimer, former IBM executive and lay leader in the Metropolitan Community Church, framed his election as president of the North Carolina Council of Churches as part of the growing openness across the country, including in the Southeast. Kimer said, "People are looking more at the merits of a person as an individual, which is something we need more of in this country." </p>
<p>Spokespeople from the Council focused on common values when responding to questions of sexual orientation, but underneath it all, the historic nature of the election looms large. A Change.org article noted that <a href="http://gayrights.change.org/blog/view/north_carolina_council_of_churches_elect_gay_president">only one other openly gay person</a> has been president of any of the 33 councils of churches across the country. </p>
<p>North Carolina has pockets of progressive people of faith but Kimer’s election happened in a state where the Council of Churches includes Roman Catholic dioceses. The largest religious group in the state, Southern Baptists, are not Council members, and, although Lutheran, Episcopal and Presbyterian denominations have made great strides, there is not unanimity in the ranks. The United Methodist Church has yet to pass inclusive policies, and North Carolina UMC pastors protested the inclusion of the MCC in 1993 by withholding contributions for nine years. The MCC international body has repeatedly been denied membership in the National Council of Churches of Christ, but state chapters are not restricted by that fact.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">January 5, 2011</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/episcopal">Episcopal</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/katherine-ragsdale">Katherine Ragsdale</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/mcc">MCC</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/rev-jane-spahr">Rev. Jane Spahr</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/stan-kimer">Stan Kimer</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:19:11 +0000glaad33529 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/01/05/lgbt-faith-leaders-set-the-pace-in-the-new-year#commentsLGBT Religion News Roundup - October 22, 2010http://www.glaad.org/2010/10/22/lgbt-religion-news-roundup-october-22-2010
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>From <a href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81803_125043_ENG_HTM.htm">bishops</a> to <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/08/nyregion/08suicide.html">students</a>, the sadness over the <a href="http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/faith_values/stories/2010/10/15/gay-mens-suicides-have-churches-talking.html?sid=101">deaths</a> of so many young people targeted by <a href="http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/san_francisco&amp;id=7715336">anti-gay bullying</a> moved the whole country to go <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/10/20/cnbc-goes-purple-for-spirit-day/">purple</a> for <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/10/21/you-made-spirit-day-happen-now-tell-us-your-stories/">Spirit Day</a>. </p>
<!--more--><p>Religious leaders <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/10/21/faith-leaders-against-bullying-lead-sign-on-campaign/">signed on</a> to an anti-bullying statement as many began to <a href="http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/blog/?p=10364">reflect</a> on the role of <a href="http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/10/07/gay-bullying-deaths-and-religion-are-believers-the-problem-or-t/">religion in bullying</a>. <a href="http://m.courierpress.com/news/2010/oct/13/a-night-of-hope-and-healing-church-wants-to-stop/">Churches</a> are stepping up, and <a href="http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&amp;article=5142">rallies</a>, <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2010/oct/21/local/la-me-gay-bullying-vigil-20101021">vigils</a> and <a href="http://inchatatime.blogspot.com/2010/10/spirit-day-showing-solidarity-against.html">press conferences</a> are springing up everywhere. <a href="http://www.google.com/url?url=http://onfaith.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2010/10/it_gets_better_when_we_truly_understand_what_bible_says_about_gays.html&amp;rct=j&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=UkC_TJnHKcP_lgfLlrToBw&amp;ved=0CEkQqQIoAjAB&amp;q=Gay+Christian&amp;usg=AFQjCNG7y-Kr9ojSHUmnDTZ-F4uP7biy7g">Faith leaders</a>‎ are joining the "<a href="http://www.startribune.com/science/104512684.html">It Gets Better</a>" campaign. And <a href="http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features-the-religion-world/2010/10/08/religious-leaders-who-favor-gay-inclusion-in-churches-to-meet-this-weekend-in-orlando/">pro-LGBT Protestant organizers</a> are launching a new phase of the <a href="http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/12/my-take-people-of-faith-must-preach-love-in-the-face-of-lgbt-hate/">movement</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<div class="mceTemp mceIEcenter" style="text-align: left;">
<dl id="attachment_27873" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px;"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Staff.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-27873 " title="Staff" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Staff-300x214.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="214" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Some of GLAAD's NY staff in Spirit Day purple</dd>
</dl><p><a href="http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/faith/no-longer-silent-protest-10162010">Anti-LGBT</a> religious trends still continue as a Minnesota archbishop <a href="http://www.examiner.com/roman-catholic-in-anaheim/minnesota-archbishop-denies-gay-activists-holy-communion">denied gay activists Holy Communion</a> and advocates have to fend off a massive distribution of <a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/10/10/dvd-protest/">anti-marriage-equality DVD</a>s. Mormon Affirmation <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogs/lgbt/50483993-61/utah-lds-youth-gay.html.csp">Utah and DC activists spoke out against LDS apostle Boyd K. Packer’s words</a>. Orthodox Jewish leaders protested a <a href="http://www.standard.net/topics/religion/2010/10/08/same-sex-marriage-item-causes-stir-jewish-weekly">wedding announcement</a> for a gay couple in a Jewish publication. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/11/nyregion/11paladino.html?partner=rss&amp;emc=rss">Paladino</a> attributes his anti-gay attitudes to his religion. A <a href="http://allafrica.com/stories/201009300297.html">Rwanda Anglican archbishop </a>vows to fight marriage for gay and lesbian couples, and a recently launched newspaper headline read '<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/19/AR2010101903438.html">hang them' </a> and published photos of 100 pro-LGBT leaders from Uganda.</p>
<p>But support continues to grow as another <a href="http://www.google.com/url?url=http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/faith/103759789.html%3Felr%3DKArks:DCiUBcy7hUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU&amp;rct=j&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=_lW_TPHrNoKClAeJ3eXhBw&amp;ved=0CFoQqQIoATAF&amp;q=Gay+Lutheran&amp;usg=AFQjCNHQqN0FkBXyezxiCozoulsj0C-8Kg"> Lutheran minister </a> is reinstated and congregations decide to be <a href="http://davidsonnews.net/2010/10/01/inclusion-community-opens-its-arms-and-doors-for-worship/">inclusive</a>. <a href="http://www.thejewishweek.com/editorial_opinion/opinion/cost_standing_idly">Rabbi Steve Greenberg</a> speaks out on the cost of not standing up. An <a href="http://www.superiortelegram.com/event/article/id/46591/group/News/">openly gay Presbyterian</a> man hopes to re-enter ministry, and a Presbyterian court <a href="http://www.google.com/url?url=http://www.christianpost.com/article/20101012/presbyterian-court-affirms-ordination-of-partnered-homosexual/&amp;rct=j&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=v16_TMPAEIO8lQf0-MTkBw&amp;ved=0CDQQqQIoATAB&amp;q=Gay+Presbyterian&amp;usg=AFQjCNEzRIXu7y0RBGIXqV4ZoqJOHHaSSw"> affirmed the ordination</a> of a partnered gay man.‎</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">To subscribe to the weekly news summary of religion LGBT stories, email <a href="mailto:faith@glaad.org">faith@glaad.org.</a></p>
</div>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">October 22, 2010</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/bullying">Bullying</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/carl-paladino">Carl Paladino</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lutherans">Lutherans</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/mormon-church">Mormon Church</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/spirit-day">Spirit Day</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/uganda">Uganda</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:18:52 +0000glaad33360 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2010/10/22/lgbt-religion-news-roundup-october-22-2010#commentsLGBT Religion News Roundup - September 17, 2010http://www.glaad.org/2010/09/18/lgbt-religion-news-roundup-september-17-2010
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Brave stands for justice were in the media this week as a Baptist church in Dallas <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-09-16-baptist15_ST_N.htm">that welcomes LGBT people</a> voted to <a href="http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&amp;sc=&amp;sc2=news&amp;sc3=&amp;id=110370">break away from the Texas Baptist Convention</a>. Lutherans, after decades of struggle, prepared to bring three respected <a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/09/16/elca-lesbian-clergy/">lesbian clergy</a> back into the fold in Minnesota. </p>
<!--more--><p> Ruth Frost, Phyllis Zillhart and Anita Hill are being received on Saturday, September 18. Anita’s story is <a href="http://sovo.com/?p=1124">very moving</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Lutheran-ministers-3-women-sept-2010.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-25981" title="Lutheran ministers 3 women sept 2010" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Lutheran-ministers-3-women-sept-2010-300x155.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="155" /></a></p>
<p>A Presbyterian church in Ohio <a href="http://ysnews.com/news/2010/09/first-presbyterian-church-spotlights-the-plight-of-gay-people-of-faith">is displaying the “Shower of Stoles” </a>to inspire conversation about the harms of exclusion, and another Ohio UCC minister is preaching, “<a href="http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/gay-pastor-we-are-all-gods-children--909972.html">We are all God’s children</a>.” An openly gay Unitarian-Universalist minister is new in <a href="http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2010-09-07/story/new-minister-welcomes-outsiders-inside-jacksonville-church">Jacksonville, Florida </a>and has the door open to all.<em> </em><a href="http://www.dallasvoice.com/if-people-accept-somethings-wrong-them-1043670.html">MCC posted more billboards</a> in their “Would Jesus Discriminate?” campaign to show what Christianity really teaches.</p>
<p>“<a href="http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/catholics-equality">Catholics for Equality</a>” announced they will be mobilizing pro-LGBT Catholics who support <a href="http://www.gayapolis.com/news/artdisplay.php?artid=4680">fair laws</a> for everyone. But St. Edwards College <a href="http://www.dallasvoice.com/st-edwards-university-excludes-equality-texas-campus-1043787.html">banned Equality Texas </a>from a student fair on volunteer opportunities, and <a href="http://minnesotaindependent.com/64691/catholic-bishops-preparing-anti-gay-marriage-campaign-in-minnesota">Catholic bishops</a> are organizing to resist marriage equality legislation in Minnesota.</p>
<p>In sad news, the <a href="http://www.thegavoice.com/index.php/news/atlanta-news-menu/1105-atlanta-police-respond-to-recent-gay-related-shootings">Atlanta </a>LGBT community is grieving over three recent deaths, so the <a href="http://blogs.ajc.com/the-buzz/2010/09/01/black-gay-pride-festival-begins-with-vigil/">Black Gay Pride festival began with a vigil</a> at an MCC church. And in Tennessee, Unitarian-Universalists and MCC leaders are <a href="http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20100914/NEWS/309149966">assisting two women whose house burned</a>. Slurs were written on their home before the fire.</p>
<p>Politics were in the air as primaries set the stage for the midterm elections. Dr. Jillian T. Weiss offers a great article on <a href="http://www.bilerico.com/2010/09/freedom_of_religion_and_non-discrimination_law.php?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BilericoProject+%28The+Bilerico+Project%29">freedom of religion. </a>You’ll want to keep a copy for reference. It was exciting to see <a href="http://brittany4hd84.com/">Brittany Novotny</a> run in <a href="http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/15/transgender-politics/">Oklahoma</a> against anti-LGBT incumbent and conservative, Sally Kern. In <a href="http://www.newsok.com/ind.-campaign-manager-resigns-over-anti-gay-tweets/article/feed/190886">Indiana, a campaign manager resigned over anti-gay tweets</a>. And in Iowa, a conservative leader says<a href="http://iowaindependent.com/43339/bryan-fischer-pro-gay-anti-homosexuality"> he’s "pro-gay," but "anti-homosexuality."</a> Finally, a court decision determined that the Defense Of Marriage Act defies the Constitution and violated <a href="http://www.thevoyager.net/opinion/states-rights-with-a-side-of-gay-rights-1.2330250">states’ rights</a>.</p>
<p>Another Iowan took the air out of of <a href="http://www.dailyiowan.com/2010/09/15/Opinions/18772.html">dire predictions</a> of what would happen with the passing of marriage equality and talks about his experience of being raised by lesbian mothers. <a href="http://www.kitv.com/r/25046501/detail.html">Christian conservatives</a> in Hawaii still oppose marriage equality, and it boils down to <a href="http://www.staradvertiser.com/editorials/20100912_The_clashing_of_church_state.html">clashes over separation of church and state</a>.</p>
<p>An article about <a href="http://onfaith.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/undergod/2010/09/what_is_a_family.html">what constitutes a family</a> revealed troubling opinions about the recognition of same-sex couples and their families. But, not to worry, in a look at <a href="http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/pellissier20100914">state-by-state acceptance of marriage for gay and lesbian couples</a>, Hank Pellissier notes that with 57 percent of people under 40 supporting marriage equality, it’s only a matter of time before things will change. And, another sign of hope, a mainline <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/17/us/17prayer.html">Jewish synagogue</a> has a new prayer book that includes prayers that reflect families headed by same-sex couples.</p>
<p>The intersection of issues is meant to stir up political passions as the title “<a href="http://www.startribune.com/yourvoices/102847909.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUKcOy9cP3DieyckcUsI">Muslims are the new gays in America</a>” suggests. Take an inside look at <a href="http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3941099,00.html">being gay in Iran</a>. A <a href="http://www.aolnews.com/world/article/gay-saudi-diplomat-seeking-us-asylum-they-will-kill-me-openly/19634532">gay Saudi diplomat</a> is seeking asylum and fears being killed. And, in the US, Islamic and other conservative religious groups are creating their own web servers and systems to block out messages they don’t want to hear. Candace Chewlew-Hodge describes it as “<a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/candacechellew-hodge/3337/seek_and_ye_shall_find..._anti-gay_views/">Seek and ye shall find…anti-gay views</a>.”<strong> </strong></p>
<p>Internationally, the <a href="http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&amp;sc=&amp;sc2=news&amp;sc3=&amp;id=110365">Pope is making a splash in the U.K.</a> Advocates are speaking out about their <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/09/16/opinion.tatchell.pope/">opposition to the Pope’s visit</a>. In Ireland, a poll revealed that <a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2010/0915/1224278900109.html">two-thirds support gay marriage</a>. A court in <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h2s6pUGG91cKFoqHndTimglCBVQgD9I94BS80">Jerusalem required the government to fund an LGBT center</a>.</p>
<p>In the mix is a provocative book about sexuality and Mormon religion called “<a href="http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/jackalope/2010/09/mormon_underwear_by_johnny_tow.php">Mormon Underwear</a>.” And, award-winning directors Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman open their film about <a href="http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/59266/s.f.-directors-bring-allen-ginsbergs-howl-to-life/">Allen Ginsberg</a>, "Howl," at the end of September. Ginsberg was an openly gay, Jewish firebrand of a poet from the 50s.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">September 18, 2010</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/baptist">Baptist</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/catholic">Catholic</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/jewish">Jewish</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lutheran">lutheran</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/mcc">MCC</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/methodist">Methodist</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/mormon-marriage">Mormon. marriage</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/muslim">Muslim</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/pope">pope</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:18:40 +0000glaad33245 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2010/09/18/lgbt-religion-news-roundup-september-17-2010#commentsBelieve Out Loud Power Summit to Draw Hundreds of Protestantshttp://www.glaad.org/2010/09/17/believe-out-loud-power-summit-to-draw-hundreds-of-protestants
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://www.welcomingresources.org/BelieveOutLoud.htm">The Believe Out Loud Power Summit</a> is drawing hundreds of Protestant LGBT faith leaders to Orlando, Florida, Oct. 9-11, to plan for the next wave of success and challenges. </p>
<!--more--><p> In recent years, <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2009/07/16/the-episcopal-church-says-%E2%80%9Cyes%E2%80%9D-to-ordination-for-gays/">Episcopal</a>, <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2009/09/24/sea-change-in-the-churches/">Lutheran</a> and <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/07/09/presbyterians-vote-for-ordination-equality-vote-to-study-marriage/">Presbyterian</a> policies have moved dramatically toward full inclusion and acceptance of LGBT people, and The United Methodist Church passed a historic statement on <a href="http://www.umc-gbcs.org/site/apps/nlnet/content.aspx?c=frLJK2PKLqF&amp;b=5012535&amp;ct=7989201">homophobia and heterosexism.</a> </p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/BOL-Believe-Out-Loud1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-25901" title="BOL Believe Out Loud" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/BOL-Believe-Out-Loud1-300x215.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="215" /></a></p>
<p>Policy changes are vital as increasing percentages in the pews and the pulpit are shifting toward supporting equality for LGBT people—but these same people of faith are still hesitant to speak out because of anxieties about saying the wrong thing or creating divisions in the congregations. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.welcomingresources.org/BelieveOutLoud.htm#registration">Registration</a> for this premier event, where GLAAD will be part of nine hours of training in media strategies, messaging, digital strategies and more, is still open. Other tracks will include leadership development, change at the intersections of issues, and campaign implementation. The first ever event of its kind is sponsored by the Welcoming Resources program of the National Gay &amp; Lesbian Task Force and denominational LGBT groups.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">September 17, 2010</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lutherans">Lutherans</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/national-gay-amp-lesbian-task-force">National Gay &amp;amp; Lesbian Task Force</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/united-methodist">United Methodist</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:18:40 +0000glaad33242 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2010/09/17/believe-out-loud-power-summit-to-draw-hundreds-of-protestants#commentsLGBT Religion News Roundup - September 3, 2010http://www.glaad.org/2010/09/03/lgbt-religion-news-roundup-september-3-2010
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>This week, kudos go to Lisa Weiner-Mahfuz of <a href="http://q4ej.org/tag/intersections-consulting">Intersections Consulting</a> for her important <a href="http://www.bilerico.com/2010/09/the_fierce_urgency_of_now_queers_must_challenge_is.php">Bilerico</a> post where she drew upon her family’s Jewish and Muslim heritage to urge LGBTQ people to <a href="http://www.bilerico.com/2010/09/the_fierce_urgency_of_now_queers_must_challenge_is.php">stand against rising Islamophobia</a>.</p>
<!--more--><p> And kudos to the Rev. Jane Spahr who was simultaneously <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/27/jane-spahr-found-guilty-b_n_697614.html?ir=Religion">praised </a> and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/29/us/29bctrial.html?ref=same_sex_marriage">convicted</a> by a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/29/us/29bctrial.html?ref=same_sex_marriage">Presbyterian court</a> for performing marriages for gay couples. On the other extreme, <a href="http://www.alternet.org/news/148037/newt_gingrich_teams_with_anti-gay_zealot_lou_'uganda'_engle_for_u.s._cyber-'revival">Newt Gingrich</a> and anti-gay <a href="http://www.alternet.org/news/148037/newt_gingrich_teams_with_anti-gay_zealot_lou_'uganda'_engle_for_u.s._cyber-'revival">“zealot” Lou Engle</a> are teaming up on Labor Day weekend for a “revival” to muster <a href="http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/content?oid=1594144">Republican</a> votes for the mid-term election in November and <a href="http://www.lgbtpov.com/2010/09/lou-engles-thecall-in-sacramento-to-broadcast-live-on-god-tv-this-weekend/">will broadcast live</a> in Sacramento this Labor Day weekend on God TV to kick off their nationwide campaign.</p>
<div style="width: 235px;float:left;"><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/lisa-weiner-mahfuz-photo1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-25419 " title="lisa weiner mahfuz photo" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/lisa-weiner-mahfuz-photo1-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a>
<p>Lisa Weiner-Mahfuz</p>
</div>
<p>Glenn Beck held a revival of his own of sorts at the Lincoln Memorial last week, and commentators question whether Beck is setting himself up as <a href="http://www.salon.com/news/opinion/joe_conason/2010/08/30/pray/">a new leader of the Religious Right</a>. Sarah Palin <a href="http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=6298&amp;MediaType=1&amp;Category=26">spoke to an anti-gay group</a> in Pennsylvania. Focus on the Family claimed that <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_15928224">anti-bullying efforts</a> are actually part of the “gay agenda.” Westboro Baptist Church protestors <a href="http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/westboro-baptist-church-protesters-are-pepper-sprayed-at-marines-funeral-in-omaha/19612414">were sprayed with pepper spray</a> at a Marine’s funeral in Omaha, and Lauri Lebo traveled to their controversial church compound to <a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/laurilebo/3251/phelps%E2%80%99_vile_words_test_first_amendment/">examine their First Amendment rights</a>.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-08-28-Lutheran27_ST_N.htm?csp=34news">breakaway Lutherans</a> formed a new denomination after the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ihxsZwcHrpC9W0kLphaBB1oPVBdwD9HS3DI80">voted for more LGBT inclusive policies last year</a>. In a letter to the editor, Jennifer Leiser reminded readers of the <em>Salt Lake Tribune</em> that <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/50189342-82/church-elca-issue-remain.html.csp">most people are staying</a> even if they disagree; the ELCA is far from breaking apart.</p>
<p>The <em>Washington Post </em>looked at <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/27/AR2010082705614.html">rising GOP support for marriage equality</a> and fact-checked a political flyer that accuses New York and San Francisco “gay activists” of <a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/debonis/2010/08/out-of-town_money_funds_mailer.html">funneling money into Washington D.C. campaigns</a>. Ironically, the flyer is funded by NOM, a national organization outside of D.C. Jonathan Merritt asked whether Prop 8 is the <a href="http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/08/31/my-take-is-prop-8-fight-the-culture-wars-last-stand/">culture war’s last stand</a>, and Candace Chellew-Hodge wondered if the Religious Right is <a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/candacechellew-hodge/3246/are_republicans_going_soft_on_gay_marriage/">weakening on marriage equality</a>.</p>
<p>It might be weakening, but it is not gone. Maia Spots investigated how states are embracing or evading marriage equality and found that getting married to your same-sex partner is <a href="http://gayrights.change.org/blog/view/the_criminalization_of_gay_marriage">a criminal offense in Wisconsin</a> with a $10,000 fine or 9-month jail sentence! A conservative Christian legal group <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hOiMLmsztmiGlNvjNLQLw4N41h1QD9HUPEQ03">is now in court trying to compel Governor Schwarzenegger</a> and other officials to defend Proposition 8. A Texas court decided that gay couples <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h4yuYnK0hU4FGiLltOHfhGLSnAngD9HUPKQ02">can’t divorce in Texas</a>. Florida governor and senate hopeful Charlie Crist said <a href="http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/08/29/Crist_For_Then_Against_Marriage_Amendment/">he supports a constitutional ban on marriage for same-sex couples</a> but later said he meant that to apply just to Florida.</p>
<p>Internationally, <em>Religion in the News </em>reported on <a href="http://caribou.cc.trincoll.edu/depts_csrpl/RINVol13No1/Word%20from%20Kampala's%20Anglicans.htm">Uganda’s Anglicans</a>, and Jeff Sharlet continued <a href="http://www.vpr.net/npr/129422524/">his important investigative work</a> on the proposed “anti-homosexuality” legislation in Uganda with <a href="http://harpers.org/archive/2010/09/0083101">a stirring piece in <em>Harper’s</em></a>. In England, gay advocate Peter Tatchell <a href="http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/08/31/peter-tatchell-receives-standing-ovation-at-christian-festival/">received a standing ovation</a> at a Christian festival where an attempted boycott by the religious right actually fueled ticket sales. Friends and family of victims of the Tel Aviv gay center shootings <a href="http://www.jta.org/news/article/2010/08/26/2740652/tel-aviv-gay-center-victims-visit-germany">were invited to Germany</a> to speak against homophobia. In Mexico, the BBC examined how the Catholic Church has <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11119011">fanned the flames of a dispute over gay rights</a>. Australia’s most populous state voted to <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article609038.ece">allow gay people to adopt</a>. In New Zealand, Exodus Ministries, an “ex-gay” program based in the USA was <a href="http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/2/article_9254.php">denied charity status</a> since it performs “no public benefit.” In the U.K., a Catholic archbishop’s aide <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/01/archbishop-aide-britain-hedonistic-wasteland">called Britain</a> a “hedonistic wasteland” due to its embrace of LGBT people. Gay Catholics in England debated strategies over the <a href="http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/09/01/gay-christians-criticise-unhelpful-protests-against-popes-visit/">Pope’s</a> upcoming visit.</p>
<p>To receive a weekly list of LGBT religion articles by email, write “subscribe” to <a href="mailto:faith@glaad.org">faith@glaad.org</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">September 3, 2010</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/adoption">adoption</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/anglican">anglican</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/equality">equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/florida">Florida</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/fred-phelps">Fred Phelps</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/glenn-beck">Glenn Beck</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lutherans">Lutherans</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/muslim">Muslim</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/narth">NARTH</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/national-organization-marriage">National Organization for Marriage</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/proposition-8">Proposition 8</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/rev-jane-spahr">Rev. Jane Spahr</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/so-called-ex-gay">So-called ex-gay</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/tel-aviv">Tel Aviv</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/uganda">Uganda</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/westboro-baptist-church">Westboro Baptist Church</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:18:36 +0000glaad33204 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2010/09/03/lgbt-religion-news-roundup-september-3-2010#commentsThe Rev. Jane Spahr--Guilty of being a "Prophetic" Pastorhttp://www.glaad.org/2010/08/27/the-rev-jane-spahr-guilty-of-being-a-prophetic-pastor
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>The Rev. Jane Spahr was found <a href="http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100827/ARTICLES/100829534/1349?p=1&amp;tc=pg" target="_blank">guilty</a> as charged of breaking church rules that do not allow marriages of gay and lesbian couples. But the regional Presbyterian court cited its own Book of Order to challenge the Presbyterian Church USA to <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-presbyterian-trial-20100828,0,7750639.story" target="_blank">make the changes</a> needed to make their policies consistent and in keeping with the deeper values of the tradition.</p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Jane-Spahr-thoughtful.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-25318" title="Jane Spahr thoughtful" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Jane-Spahr-thoughtful-300x219.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="219" /></a></p>
<p>Quoted from the ruling against Rev. Spahr:</p>
<blockquote><p>We commend Dr. Spahr and give thanks for her prophetic ministry that for 35 years has extended support to “people who seek the dignity, freedom and respect that they have been denied” (W7.4002c), and has sought to redress “wrongs against individuals, groups, and peoples in the church, in this nation, and in the world” (W7.4002h). In addition, we call upon the church to reexamine our own fear and ignorance that continues to reject the inclusiveness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.(G3.0401c)</p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p>We say this believing that we have in our own Book of Order conflicting and even contradictory rules and regulations that are against the Gospel. In this particular case, in W4.9001 we have inclusive and broad descriptive language about marriage, “Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the wellbeing of the entire human family.” This sentence is followed immediately by “Marriage is a civil contract between a woman and a man.”</p></blockquote>
<p>[For the full statement, go to <a href="http://redwoodspresbytery.org/">http://redwoodspresbytery.org/</a> and click on PDF in right column.]</p>
<p>Sadly, the church court chose not to use these <a href="http://www.californiareport.org/archive/R201008271630/b" target="_blank">contradictions</a> and obvious injustices to declare her not-guilty by virtue of following her higher calling.</p>
<p>“This is such a sad moment for the Church,” said Rev. Spahr, who has been a minister for 36-years. “Today, the Church rejected God’s amazing hospitality and welcome. It deeply troubles and saddens me.”</p>
<p>Rev. Spahr and her legal team will decide whether or not to appeal the decision.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 27, 2010</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/presbyterian-church-usa">Presbyterian Church (USA)</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/rev-jane-spahr">Rev. Jane Spahr</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:18:34 +0000glaad33191 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2010/08/27/the-rev-jane-spahr-guilty-of-being-a-prophetic-pastor#commentsLGBT Religion News Roundup - August 27, 2010http://www.glaad.org/2010/08/27/lgbt-religion-news-roundup-august-27-2010
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>After a wave of court and legislative decisions in support of marriage in Mexico, a <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/08/26/mexican-catholic-church-figures-call-for-acceptancefuncionarios-de-la-iglesia-catolica-en-mexico-hacen-un-llamado-a-la-aceptacion/">bishop and a priest </a> boldly supported equality this week. Marriage was at issue as The Rev. Janie Spahr was tried by the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Rev-Jane-Spahr-Trial-Updates/125387460840615">Presbyterians</a> for performing legal weddings for gay and lesbian couples.</p>
<!--more--><p> California is still bubbling with the question of “<a href="http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2010/08/30/100830taco_talk_davidson">Who has standing</a>?” to talk about being harmed by the court’s recent decision to allow marriages for gay couples again. Some conservative religious people are quick to say they are harmed, so California passed a law this week that <a href="http://sdgln.com/news/2010/08/20/california-passes-law-strengthening-religious-freedom-clergy">reiterates religious freedom for clergy</a>—a freedom already guaranteed by the Constitution.</p>
<div style="width: 210px;"><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Rowan-Williams-Archbishop-of-Canterbury-small.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-25311" title="Rowan Williams Archbishop of Canterbury small" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Rowan-Williams-Archbishop-of-Canterbury-small-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a>
<p>Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury</p>
</div>
<p>Rowan Williams, Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury preached an oblique sermon to African bishops in Entebbe, Uganda, calling for “open minds” and was <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100824/lf_afp/africareligionanglicangays">dismissed</a> outright. The proposed “kill the gays” bill is still pending in <a href="http://www.independent.co.ug/index.php/society/society/37-society/3382-the-anti-gay-crusade">Uganda</a>. Back in England, conservative Anglican efforts to boycott the popular <a href="http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/08/26/anglicans-fail-in-call-for-boycott-of-christian-festival-over-peter-tatchells-appearance/">Greenbelt Christian arts festival </a> because of gay advocate Peter Tatchell's appearance ended up fueling ticket purchases.</p>
<p>In New Jersey, despite protests by a local Catholic bishop, a controversial college class titled “<a href="http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/08/controversial_seton_hall_gay_m.html">The Politics of Gay Marriage</a>” at Seton Hall University will go on as scheduled. In light of such hierarchical resistance, it’s understandable that some bloggers guffawed when they got wind of the formation of a <a href="http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/08/23/new-american-pro-gay-catholic-group-formed/">new pro-gay Catholic group formed</a>, but Catholics for Equality will soon launch with the secure knowledge that Catholic members are the <a href="http://pewforum.org/Gay-Marriage-and-Homosexuality/Public-Opinion-on-Gay-Marriage-Opponents-Consistently-Outnumber-Supporters.aspx">most supportive</a> faith group there is.</p>
<p>Media coverage on the formation <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i7tADnxuR79MJPcf7h0C8jxGSMGQD9HQPHHO0">of a new Lutheran group</a> has been fair and balanced. The Minneapolis <em>Star Tribune</em> noted that <a href="http://www.startribune.com/101232264.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUsr">Lutherans bowed but are not broken</a>, and Minnesota Public Radio profiled a progressive woman who is looking for<a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/08/20/reuter/"> community</a> in the midst of the controversy. MPR's collection of <a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/2010/08/church-divided/index.shtml">profiles from Lutheran churches</a> on the churches new policies shouldn’t be missed.</p>
<p>In the mix, In Texas, yet another <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/08/24/church-school-in-texas-the-latest-to-reject-student-because-of-lesbian-parents/">child was kicked out</a> of school, because her parents are lesbians. Republican leader, Ken Mehlman, who is Jewish, came out as gay. Republican pundit, <a href="http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/08/24/ann-coulter-blasts-fake-christians-for-opposing-her-speech-to/">Ann Coulter blasted ‘fake Christians’ </a> for opposing her speech to GOProud, a gay Repulican group. The LDS Church is using <a href="http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=news&amp;sc=glbt&amp;sc2=news&amp;sc3=&amp;id=109534">TV spots </a>in targeted cities to promote a more everyday look to Mormons. The so called “<a href="http://www.fcnp.com/commentary/national/7222-the-ex-gay-industry-hits-the-skids.html">ex-gay</a>” ministries are hitting the skids. </p>
<p>To end on a pastoral note, enjoy the article about a Mennonite community in Sarasota that <a href="http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100826/ARTICLE/8261049/2055/NEWS?Title=Covenant-welcomes-everyone">welcomes everyone</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 27, 2010</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/anglican">anglican</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/ann-coulter">Ann Coulter</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/california">California</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/catholic">Catholic</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/child">Child</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/elca">ELCA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/ken-mehlman">Ken Mehlman</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lutherans">Lutherans</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/marriage">Marriage</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/mennonite">mennonite</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/uganda">Uganda</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:18:34 +0000glaad33190 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2010/08/27/lgbt-religion-news-roundup-august-27-2010#commentsLGBT Religion News Roundup - August 20, 2010http://www.glaad.org/2010/08/21/lgbt-religion-news-roundup-august-20-2010
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>As marriages were put on hold by a <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/08/16/california-marriages-on-hold-ninth-circuit-court-of-appeals-grants-prop-8-proponents-motion-to-stay/">court stay </a>and Maggie Gallagher, head of NOM, was a no-show during their final <a href="http://www.metroweekly.com/poliglot/2010/08/a-mile-away-a-world-apart.html">anti equality</a> event, reaction gave way to analysis. A “must read” is religion scholar Rita Nakashima Brock’s <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rita-nakashima-brock-ph-d/judge-walker-and-the-bibl_b_682595.html">Huff Post article on what the Bible REALLY</a> says about marriage—you may be surprised.</p>
<!--more--><p> Rita just dropped me a note saying that the article is being translated into Korean.</p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Pastor-OC-Allen.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-24968 alignleft" title="Pastor OC Allen" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Pastor-OC-Allen-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a><br />
Candace Chellew-Hodge examined the <a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/candacechellew-hodge/3147/conservatives_panic_as_gay_marriage_looms/">conservative panic over the decision</a>, and Pentecostal Pastor, O.C. Allen argued that same-sex marriage is <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/08/15/Allen.same.sex.marriage.pulpit/index.html">about equality, not religion</a>. Kadin Henningsen, offered a <a href="http://www.jewishjournal.com/oy_gay/item/blessing_and_or_curse_39100816/">personal response</a> to the ruling, based on a Jewish view of blessings and curses.<em></em></p>
<p>With her ever hopeful spirit, the Rev. Jane Spahr is <a href="http://www.dallasvoice.com/rev-jane-spahr-trial-marrying-samesex-couples-1039032.html">being tried</a> by the Presbyterian high court – again – for performing marriages for same-sex couples. Her trial will be Tuesday, August 24 at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Napa, Calif.</p>
<p>Global marriage equality is booming as <em>Eat, Pray, Love </em>author, Elizabeth Gilbert, <a href="http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/08/13/eat-pray-love-author-to-lobby-congress-for-bi-national-gay-s/">lobbied Congress</a> for rights for bi-national gay couples, and <a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/Inter-religion-gay-wedding-flummoxes-Hindu-priest/Article1-588533.aspx">the first marriage of a gay couple in Nepal</a> was performed by a Hindu priest. The mayor of Mexico City <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hWt3tzadrYHckcA30flQE9xi3nYwD9HLFCG82">demanded an apology</a> from the Catholic cardinal who suggested that he bribed Mexico’s Supreme Court to uphold the city’s law allowing gay couples to adopt.</p>
<p>Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts-Schori <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/13/katharine-jefferts-schori_n_680659.html">did a worldwide tour of the Anglican world</a> to gain new allies for the Episcopal Church, a branch of the Anglican family. The U.K. <a href="http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/08/13/latest-protest-the-pope-campaign-meeting-a-success/">“Protest the Pope” campaign</a> moved forward with its plans to, well, protest the Pope, whose visit to the country is scheduled for next month.</p>
<p>In the mix, Orthodox rabbis from Canada added their names to <a href="http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/08/13/orthodox-rabbis-sign-pro-gay-document/">the groundbreaking document</a> urging greater acceptance of LGBT people in the Orthodox community. Kalil Cohen <a href="http://www.jewishjournal.com/oy_gay/item/jewish_films_at_tg_film_fest_20100816/">highlighted Jewish films</a> at this year’s Los Angeles Transgender Film Fest. Becky Garrison went deeply into <a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/sexandgender/3071/beyond_adam_and_eve/">recent progressive Christian </a>transgender actions. A play in Orange County, California, explored the lives of <a href="http://www.ocregister.com/entertainment/mark-262467-southern-baptist.html">gay Southern Baptist teens</a>.</p>
<p>In Iowa, even the GOP <a href="http://dmjuice.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100818/NEWS10/8180360/1001/NEWS">condemned Republican candidate Jeremy Walters</a> of Des Moines for writing on his Facebook page that the Bible says gay people should be put to death. At the same time, the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alvin-mcewen/is-the-religious-right-af_b_682240.html">Religious Right went after</a> another gay Obama appointee, David Hansell, while Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum claimed that his faith says gay people <a href="http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features-the-religion-world/2010/08/12/bill-mccollum-read-gubernatorial-candidate-bill-mccollums-controversial-statements-about-gay-parenting/">should not be able to adopt children</a>.</p>
<p>To receive a weekly list of LGBT religion articles by email, write “subscribe” to <a href="mailto:faith@glaad.org">faith@glaad.org</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 21, 2010</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/people-color">People of Color</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/entertainment">Entertainment</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/film">Film</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/transgender">Transgender</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/bible">bible</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/catholic">Catholic</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/immigration-equality">Immigration Equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/jewish">Jewish</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/marriage">Marriage</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/mexico-city">Mexico City</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/republicans">Republicans</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/southern-baptist">Southern Baptist</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:18:32 +0000glaad33173 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2010/08/21/lgbt-religion-news-roundup-august-20-2010#commentsRev. Jane Spahr Tried by Presbyterians -- Again!http://www.glaad.org/2010/08/21/rev-janie-spahr-tried-by-presbyterians-again
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://bit.ly/RevSpahrTrial">The Rev. Jane Spahr</a> is going to trial for the second time in <a href="http://www.365gay.com/news/minister-targeted-for-performing-legal-gay-marriages/">recent years</a> for performing marriages for same-sex couples. The <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&amp;pid=sites&amp;srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxyZXZqYW5pZXNwYWhyfGd4OjQwNjg1ZWQxMDgwN2NiNzk&amp;pli=1">trial</a> will take place on August 24 in Napa, Calif. </p>
<!--more--><p> The <a href="http://www.dallasvoice.com/rev-jane-spahr-trial-marrying-samesex-couples-1039032.html"><em>Dallas Voice</em></a> reported that Rev. Spahr was acquitted at the 2008 trial because the Presbyterian Church (USA) high court decided she had not really performed a wedding. This time the trial will examine <a href="http://www.dallasvoice.com/rev-jane-spahr-trial-marrying-samesex-couples-1039032.html">sixteen </a>weddings performed by Rev. Spahr during the few weeks when some 18,000 same-sex couples were legally married in California.</p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Rev.-Janie-Spahr.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24960" title="Rev. Janie Spahr" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Rev.-Janie-Spahr-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a></p>
<p>In an <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2HtVz8eR9c">MSNBC</a> interview with Contessa Brewer, Rev. Spahr said, “I think for me, as pastors, we should be able to marry the people who come to us…So what I say to people, ‘It doesn't matter what your sexual orientation is. It matters to me that you have a healthy, just, loving, mutual relationship.’”</p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rev-Jane-Spahr-Trial-Updates/125387460840615?ref=sgm">Supporters are speaking out</a> and asking the whole denomination to change their policies and practices. At their July 2010 General Assembly, the denomination approved benefits for same-sex partners but declined to take up the legislative actions for marriage equality. Instead, they referred <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/07/09/presbyterians-vote-for-ordination-equality-vote-to-study-marriage/">marriage to be studied</a>. Ironically, this gives human resources directors in Presbyterian agencies more guidance than pastors serving in states where marriages or civil unions for same-sex couples are legal.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 21, 2010</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/benefits">benefits</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/marriage">Marriage</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/marriage-california">Marriage - California</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/presbyterian-church-usa">Presbyterian Church (USA)</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/rev-jane-spahr">Rev. Jane Spahr</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/wedding">wedding</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:18:32 +0000glaad33172 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2010/08/21/rev-janie-spahr-tried-by-presbyterians-again#commentsLGBT Religion News Round Up, July 23, 2010http://www.glaad.org/2010/07/23/religion-news-round-up
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Marriage was a big news item last week as <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/07/15/argentina-passes-marriage-equality/">Argentina</a> <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10197/1073089-82.stm?cmpid=nationworld.xml">legalized marriage</a> for gay couples and gay Mormons condemn the LDS Church’s role in <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogs/lgbt/49961023-61/argentina-gay-lds-church.html.csp">opposing the successful legislation</a>. In California, <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/07/22/california-residents-surveyed-on-religion-and-marriage-equality/">two polls</a> show <a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/sexandgender/3016/god_and_prop_8%3A_new_poll_holds_surprises_on_gay_marriage/">growing support</a> for marriage equality. Meanwhile, marriage equality in Washington D.C. was <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/15/AR2010071503618.html">upheld by the Court of Appeals</a>.</p>
<!--more--><p>
<img class="size-medium wp-image-23675 alignleft" title="circle of hands" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/circle-of-hands2-300x212.jpg" alt="" width="136" height="105" />In the Evangelical world, Peggy and Tony Campolo, an Evangelical Christian couple who famously disagree on gay issues, <a href="http://www.abpnews.com/content/view/5350/53/">coordinated a dialogue</a> with the Baptist Peace Fellowship in upstate New York. Janet Edwards asked whether gay rights are an “<a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/guest_bloggers/3011/gay_rights%2C_an_evangelical_thing/">evangelical thing.”</a> John Blake asked whether <a href="http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/07/19/has-the-religious-right-lost-its-children/">the religious right has lost its children</a>. A <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/07/16/las-vegas-megachurch-linked-to-anti-gay-ugandan-pastor/">megachurch</a> in Las Vegas was dropped from HIV work because of its link to Martin Ssempa, the virulently anti-gay Ugandan pastor, and the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, <a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/beliefbeat/2010/07/missouri-synod-lutherans-choose-conservative-leader.html">elected a conservative leader</a>.</p>
<p>In mainline Protestant denominations, responses to the Presbyterian <a href="http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&amp;article=4926"> decision on gay clergy</a> range from the Rev. Peter M. Wallace <a href="http://www.edgeonthenet.com/index.php?ch=news&amp;sc=&amp;sc2=news&amp;sc3=&amp;id=108001">saying God’s spirit was at work,</a> to an Orthodox priest who said <a href="http://www2.wnct.com/lifestyles/2010/jul/09/presbyterian-gay-measures-criticized-visiting-prie-ar-295841/">the opposite</a>. A Michigan-based gay rights group <a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/news/2010/07/foundation-donates-400k-for-ep.php">has donated $400,000 to the Episcopal Church</a> for its use in developing marriage liturgies for gay couples and a Methodist minister and his boyfriend <a href="http://www.edgeonthenet.com/index.php?ch=news&amp;sc=&amp;sc2=news&amp;sc3=&amp;id=108001">were attacked</a> in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park.</p>
<p>Internationally, the UK government <a href="http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/07/15/government-responds-to-petition-against-homophobic-popes-visit/">responded to the petition</a> opposing the Pope’s planned visit. A meeting of faith groups in Vienna, held in advance of the 18<sup>th</sup> International AIDS Conference, was told by Netherlands AIDS ambassador Marijke Wijnroks that <a href="http://www.pcusa.org/news/2010/7/20/faith-leaders-warned-statements-about-hivaids/">faith leaders can play a key role in combating HIV/AIDS</a>. Tel Aviv <a href="http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=182061">encouraged LGBT tourism</a> with a new ‘Gay Vibe’ campaign, while the <em>Jewish Journal </em><a href="http://www.jewishjournal.com/oy_gay/item/orthodox_lesbians_in_the_jerusalem_post_20100719/">highlighted Orthodox lesbians</a> at the <em>Jerusalem Post</em>. Serbian gay rights groups <a href="http://www.365gay.com/news/serbia-gay-groups-to-ask-orthodox-churchs-help-to-curb-anti-gay-violence/">asked for the Orthodox Church’s help</a> in curbing anti-gay violence. Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe <a href="http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0718/zimbabwe.html">refused to include gay rights</a> in a draft of the country’s new constitution, and the new primate of the Anglican Church in Nigeria <a href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81808_123483_ENG_HTM.htm">followed his predecessor in condemning homosexuality</a>.</p>
<p>Also in the mix, Daniel Burke <a href="http://www.religionnews.com/index.php?/rnstext/gay_debate_mirrors_church_dispute_split_on_slavery/">compared the use of the Bible</a> during the church dispute over slavery in the 19<sup>th</sup> century to the debates surrounding LGBT issues today. Soldiers’ rights hotlines are being asked if soldiers <a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/laurilebo/3009/soldier_hot_line_draws_calls_over_dadt_repeal__/">could qualify for conscientious objector status</a> for opposing the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ but the groups say no. An ‘ex-gay’ coach has been <a href="http://www.edgeonthenet.com/index.php?ch=news&amp;sc=&amp;sc2=news&amp;sc3=&amp;id=108183">accused of molesting male clients</a>, while so-called ‘ex-gay’ Donnie McClurkin is <a href="http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=opinion&amp;sc=guest_opinions&amp;sc2=news&amp;sc3=&amp;id=107995">set to attend Boston’s GospelFest</a>. Mike Ghouse argued that religious people should <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/standing-up-for-jews-gays_b_650167.html">stand up for gays, Jews and Mexicans</a>. Finally, Lady Gaga and her “little monsters” <a href="http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpps/entertainment/lady-gaga-vs-westboro-baptist-church-dpgoha-20100720-fc_8755241">take on Westboro Baptist Church</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Subscribe to the Religion News Summary by writing "subscribe" in an email to </strong><a href="mailto:faith@glaad.org"><strong>faith@glaad.org</strong></a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">July 23, 2010</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--
THIS FILE IS NOT USED AND IS HERE AS A STARTING POINT FOR CUSTOMIZATION ONLY.
See http://api.drupal.org/api/function/theme_field/7 for details.
After copying this file to your theme's folder and customizing it, remove this
HTML comment.
-->
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/argentina">Argentina</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/california">California</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/episcopal-church">Episcopal Church</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/hivaids">HIV/AIDS</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/peggy-and-tony-campolo">Peggy and Tony Campolo</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/presbyterian">Presbyterian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/vienna">Vienna</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/washington-dc">Washington D.C.</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:18:24 +0000glaad33093 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2010/07/23/religion-news-round-up#comments